Puri, July 7: The long-awaited restoration work of the Ratna Bhandar, the sacred treasury of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, has been successfully completed under the direct supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The announcement was made today by Arabinda Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), who confirmed that both the inner (Bhitara) and outer (Bahara) chambers of the Ratna Bhandar have undergone full structural repairs.

The restoration work, which spanned 95 days, involved over 333 hours of meticulous craftsmanship. The Ratna Bhandar, which had been in a deteriorated condition, required urgent attention to preserve its architectural integrity and spiritual sanctity. During the process, 520 damaged stone blocks were replaced, ensuring long-term stability and safety of the structure.

Padhee said that the repair work was conducted using traditional dry masonry techniques, in alignment with the temple’s Kalinga architectural style. The ASI team also replaced corroded beams with stainless steel reinforcements and installed new Burma teak wood doors with plans for silver cladding to enhance durability and aesthetics.

The restoration marks a historic milestone, especially considering that the inner Ratna Bhandar had remained sealed for decades. With the completion of repairs, the temple administration is now preparing for the inventory and verification process of the valuables stored within the treasury, expected to begin after the Niladri Bije ritual tomorrow, when the deities return to the sanctum sanctorum.

This initiative reflects a collaborative effort between the SJTA, ASI, and technical experts to preserve one of India’s most revered spiritual heritage sites.

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