Bhubaneswar: The repair work on the Ratna Bhandar of Puri Srimandir is set to begin within the next couple of days and will be completed by January 31, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan informed on Sunday.
Addressing the media, Harichandan stated, “We are optimistic that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will initiate the repair and restoration work shortly. As per the proposed schedule, the repair process, along with the inventory and audit of the gold and other valuable jewellery, will conclude by January 31.”
He further informed that the ASI would submit the work schedule, with repairs starting immediately afterward. Additionally, the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) has provided the necessary permissions to the ASI for commencing the work.
Once the restoration of the 12th-century shrine’s treasure trove is completed, the jewellery will be transferred back from its temporary storage to its original location. A thorough inventory and audit will then be conducted under strict security, the Law Minister added.
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Meanwhile, a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and GPS survey has confirmed the absence of any hidden chambers within the Ratna Bhandar. Addressing earlier speculations, Harichandan clarified that no undiscovered metal items or secret compartments were found.
ASI Superintendent DB Gadnayak emphasised that the focus now is on structural repairs. “There are no secret chambers in the Ratna Bhandar. We have identified the cracks, and they will be properly addressed,” he assured.
Notably, on Saturday, the Puri Srimandir administration received the technical inspection report concerning the necessary repair and preservation of the Ratna Bhandar, including the walls, ceiling, and structure. After obtaining this 45-page report, the temple administration promptly showed readiness for repair work and issued a letter to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The chief administrator of the temple, Dr. Aravind Padhee, informed the media that the technical report from the GPR survey conducted by the ASI was received via email on Saturday afternoon. He emphasized that the security of the temple has always been a top priority. Based on the findings in the report, a request was sent to the ASI to undertake the necessary repairs and maintenance work.
Discussions regarding the technical report will be held with the temple management committee and the Chhatisha Niyog. Additionally, a detailed list of the tasks to be undertaken by the ASI will be requested. Dr. Padhee mentioned that these efforts would ensure the smooth conduct of rituals and an orderly darshan for devotees of Lord Jagannath.
