TV
The repair work of Ratna Bhandar, the treasury of the revered Jagannath Temple in Puri, is taking longer than originally expected. Odisha Law Minister, Prithviraj Harichandan on Monday stated that the restoration efforts might extend by another one to two months. This delay has been attributed to additional repair work that was uncovered during the ongoing process.
Harichandan assured that the counting process of the inventory would be concluded before the Rath Yatra festival, a significant event in the temple's calendar. However, the inventory process that was intended to wrap up by March will not meet the deadline. The additional repair work has lengthened the timeline.
Making Ratna Bhandar Ornaments Details Public
Earlier, the Odisha government had announced to make public all details of the ornaments and other valuables after the completion of the inventory work. Comprehensive details about the ornaments will be disclosed once the counting process is completed, the Law Minister said earlier adding that the last inventory check was conducted in 1978.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar was opened after a gap of over 45 years on July 14, 2024.
Also Read: Puri Ratna Bhandar repair work set to be completed before March: Odisha Minister
Addressing criticisms regarding the temple administration's alleged failure to allocate adequate time for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct the repair works, the Minister clarified that the work is being done in conjunction with the temple’s daily rituals.
"The repair efforts are coordinated with the rituals, allowing a timeslot of four to five hours daily by adjusting the schedule," said Harichandan. He dispelled allegations of neglect, confirming ongoing collaboration between the temple administration and the ASI.
