Puri Jagannath temple Ratna Bhandar repairs scheduled from December 17

The repair of the treasure trove (Ratna Bhandar) of Lord Jagannath temple (Srimandir) in Puri has been slated to commence on December 17 (Tuesday). Upon completion, a thorough inventory of the Lords’ jewellery will be prepared, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Sunday.

A final call in this regard was taken after Niti Sub-Committee meeting.

The Minister confirmed that after receiving the GPS report, the necessary permissions were granted to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to begin repair work.

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Coordination meetings have taken place between the temple administration and Chhatisa Nijog representatives, a committee of the temple's servitors, to ensure a smooth repair process. The ASI has provided a comprehensive schedule detailing the planned repairs, signifying a pivotal step towards preserving the sacred and historic site.

“Repairs to Ratna Bhandar are to begin from December 17 and primary repairing works will be carried out first. Inventory preparation, as well as evaluation of the deities’ ornaments, can be conducted thereafter,” the Law Minister expressed.

The Odisha government has plans to finish the entire process (including repair, inventory and evaluation) by January 31, 2025, the Law Minister had earlier stated.

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Worth mentioning that the work is planned for five to six hours daily. Efforts will initially be focussed on refurbishing the exterior of the Ratna Bhandar, before moving on to the interior parts. If needed, any stones found to be in bad condition will be replaced, the ASI superintendent D.B Garnaik previously informed.

There will be no repair activities on weekends or special days to ensure minimal disruption for visitors coming to the shrine. During this period, the devotees will temporarily have only distant views of the deities from Bahara Katha at the Sanctum Sanctorum.