ASI To Begin Repair Work On Puri Jagannath Temple’s 'Ratna Bhandar'; Ornament Shifting And Inventory To Follow

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to begin repair work on the 'Ratna Bhandar' of the Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha, from 16 December, according to an official statement.

ASI superintendent D B Garnaik confirmed on Sunday (8 December) that the repair work will commence once approval is obtained from the Niti sub-committee of the temple management. "After getting the time slot, we will start the work, most probably from 16 December," Garnaik said.

The 'Ratna Bhandar' is the treasury of the 12th-century Jagannath temple, and its repair has been under consideration for some time. Prior to initiating the work, the ASI conducted a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and GPS survey of the treasury with the help of the Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI).

The institute submitted its survey findings to the ASI last month, which will guide the repair work, Garnaik added. The repairs will proceed according to the findings of the survey report and with the approval of the temple management.

Meanwhile, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan provided updates on the inventory of jewellery and ornaments stored in the temple. He mentioned that the state government has set a target to complete the inventory process by the end of January.

"We have asked the ASI to complete the repair work soon. After that, we will again restore the ornaments in the 'Ratna Bhandar' from temporary treasuries and then the inventory work will be carried out," he told the media.

It is noteworthy that the 'Ratna Bhandar' was reopened in July this year after a gap of 46 years to facilitate an inventory of valuables and to carry out necessary repairs on its structure.