Bhubaneswar: In a significant revelation, Odisha’s Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has warned that the Ratna Bhandar—the inner treasure chamber of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri—was at risk of collapse due to prolonged neglect and structural deterioration.
Addressing the media on Sunday, the minister emphasised the urgency and importance of the ongoing restoration efforts. “Although the Ratna Bhandar has stood strong for nearly two centuries, recent structural assessments raised serious concerns,” Harichandan said. “Had restoration work not begun now, the chamber could have collapsed at any time.”
The restoration is being undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), with the Law Minister assuring that no undue pressure is being placed on the agency. “The repairs are being carried out with utmost care and sensitivity, keeping in mind the sanctity and historical significance of the temple,” he said.
Due to procedural and religious constraints, ASI has been allotted only 1.5 to 2 hours daily for the repair work. Despite the limited timeframe, efforts are being made to complete the restoration before Snana Purnima, a major religious festival scheduled for June 11. Following this event, the deities are traditionally kept out of public view for fifteen days in the Ratan Vedi, and the temple’s main entrance remains closed during this period.
Highlighting another key development, the minister said that the process of Dhadi Darshan (queue-based viewing) will commence only after the shifting of the Hundi (donation box) from the Ratna Bhandar is complete. “There is a clear link between the Hundi shifting and the initiation of Dhadi Darshan. The latter will begin within 2 to 4 days after the Hundi is relocated,” he stated.
The final decision on this matter will be taken by the Shree Jagannath Temple Management Committee by the end of the month. Harichandan stressed the importance of coordination between the government and the temple administration to ensure that all restoration and operational measures align with religious protocols and public expectations.
The Law Minister’s statements have not only drawn attention to the fragile condition of the Ratna Bhandar but have also reinforced the state government’s commitment to preserving the cultural and spiritual heritage of the centuries-old temple.
