Bhubaneswar. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Puri Circle, is on track to complete the repair and conservation of the Ratna Bhandar at the Shree Jagannath Temple before the annual Ratha Yatra in 2025. This update was shared by Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), through his official social media handle.
Dr. Padhee stated that the restoration efforts are progressing steadily under the close supervision of ASI officials. He noted that the internal conservation work of the Bhitara Ratna Bhandar (Inner Ratna Bhandar) is nearly complete, with only the floor renovation remaining. A significant achievement in this process has been the accurate installation of five stainless steel (SS) box beams within the inner chamber, which enhances its structural stability.
Reviewed the conservation and repair works of the Ratna Bhandar at Shree Mandir with officials from the ASI, Puri circle. The inner conservation works of the Bhitara Ratna Bhandar are nearly complete, except the floor renovation. Precise installation of five SS box beams inside…
— Arabinda K Padhee (@arvindpadhee) April 11, 2025
He also mentioned that the Bahara Ratna Bhandar, or the outer chamber, is undergoing extensive renovation. The replacement of damaged stone elements is almost complete, while structural conservation on the outer portion—including de-plastering near the Jagamohana Pidha stones and replacing deteriorated stone blocks—is being carried out with great precision.
Highlighting the sensitive nature of the task, Dr. Padhee emphasised the importance of meticulous planning and execution. “We are optimistic that ASI will complete this ambitious project ahead of the Ratha Yatra,” he said, reaffirming SJTA’s full support for the ASI in this sacred initiative.
Dr Padhee expressed hope for the timely completion of the work, adding, “May the conservation, repair, and restoration of the Ratna Bhandar be completed soon, in accordance with the divine will of Mahaprabhu. Jai Jagannath!”
It is worth noting that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) commenced the repair and renovation work of the Ratna Bhandar, the treasure chamber of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, on 17th December 2024, in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Odisha government.
A senior ASI official reported that the repairs are being conducted under the direct supervision of senior ASI personnel and monitored by a technical core committee. Workers involved in the project are wearing traditional temple servitor attire and have been issued special identity cards.
When ASI began the repair and renovation work of the Ratna Bhandar inDecember last year, it was stated that the repair work would be completed within three months (by March this year) if they were allowed five to six hours per day to work on the structure.
However, due to numerous rituals and a heavy influx of devotees, the national conservation agency has not been able to secure sufficient time daily to work. Additionally, work had to be paused on several occasions due to specific rituals or festivities.
Consequently, in February 2025, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) decided to extend the timeline for the completion of work by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
In November, a ground-penetrating radar survey conducted by the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) in Hyderabad found no evidence of hidden tunnels or underground treasuries within the temple premises.
