Ratna Bhandar repair work expected to be over next month: Rath | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Restoration of Jagannath Temple‘s Ratna Bhandar is expected to be completed next month, said retired Justice Biswanath Rath, who heads the govt-formed committee overseeing the conservation efforts and inventory, on Friday.
Last year on Dec 17, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) started repair work on the treasury, which was opened for the first time in 46 years on July 14, 2024. This marked ASI’s first repair work of Ratna Bhandar since taking charge of the 12th century shrine’s conservation in 1975.
“The inner Ratna Bhandar work is nearly complete, while repairs on the outer Bhandar continue,” Rath said. “The renovation aims to ensure the structural stability of the treasury for the next 75 to 100 years. The ASI team has installed new steel beams to replace five deteriorated stone beams,” he added.
Rath noted the extensive scope of repairs required. “The inner Ratna Bhandar walls had suffered significant deterioration and with divine blessing, timely intervention was possible. The ASI team is executing the repairs professionally using appropriate materials,” Rath said, adding that daily repair operations continue for three to four hours. “At the current rate, completion is expected within the next month,” he said.
Following the completion of repair and renovation, the deities’ jewellery and ornaments will be transferred from the temporary strongrooms to the treasury for inventory under strict security measures.
Recently, temple chief administrator Arabinda Padhee assessed the renovation progress. He reported that while Bhitara Bhandar conservation is nearing completion, the chamber floor renovation remains pending. The Ratna Bhandar floor, having sustained considerable damage, will be reconstructed using Khondalite stones. Five damaged Bhitara Bhandar beams have been substituted with stainless steel alternatives.
Padhee confirmed active progress on the Bahara Bhandar (outer treasury chamber) conservation. “The renovation and replacement of damaged stone elements are nearly complete, alongside exterior structural work. The exterior structural work involves de-plastering near the junction between Jagamohan Pidha stones and outer structure of Ratna Bhandar, with replacement of damaged stone blocks,” Padhee said.
Although ASI planned completion by March this year, it has been delayed due to ongoing rituals, movement of devotees during festive occasions, and the delicate nature of conservation work.
Last year on Dec 17, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) started repair work on the treasury, which was opened for the first time in 46 years on July 14, 2024. This marked ASI’s first repair work of Ratna Bhandar since taking charge of the 12th century shrine’s conservation in 1975.
“The inner Ratna Bhandar work is nearly complete, while repairs on the outer Bhandar continue,” Rath said. “The renovation aims to ensure the structural stability of the treasury for the next 75 to 100 years. The ASI team has installed new steel beams to replace five deteriorated stone beams,” he added.
Rath noted the extensive scope of repairs required. “The inner Ratna Bhandar walls had suffered significant deterioration and with divine blessing, timely intervention was possible. The ASI team is executing the repairs professionally using appropriate materials,” Rath said, adding that daily repair operations continue for three to four hours. “At the current rate, completion is expected within the next month,” he said.
Following the completion of repair and renovation, the deities’ jewellery and ornaments will be transferred from the temporary strongrooms to the treasury for inventory under strict security measures.
Recently, temple chief administrator Arabinda Padhee assessed the renovation progress. He reported that while Bhitara Bhandar conservation is nearing completion, the chamber floor renovation remains pending. The Ratna Bhandar floor, having sustained considerable damage, will be reconstructed using Khondalite stones. Five damaged Bhitara Bhandar beams have been substituted with stainless steel alternatives.
Padhee confirmed active progress on the Bahara Bhandar (outer treasury chamber) conservation. “The renovation and replacement of damaged stone elements are nearly complete, alongside exterior structural work. The exterior structural work involves de-plastering near the junction between Jagamohan Pidha stones and outer structure of Ratna Bhandar, with replacement of damaged stone blocks,” Padhee said.
Although ASI planned completion by March this year, it has been delayed due to ongoing rituals, movement of devotees during festive occasions, and the delicate nature of conservation work.
