Puri, July 3: Puri King Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb on Thursday visited Shree Jagannath Temple here on Thursday and announced that the Ratna Bhandar (sacred treasury) of the Srimandir is completely safe following extensive restoration work.

Officials from the ASI and temple administration accompanied the Maharaja during his visit to the 12^th century temple.

Speaking to the media persons, Puri King said, "The Shri Jagannath Temple is over 800 years old, and to the best of my knowledge, the Jagamohan and the Ratna Bhandar have never undergone any preservation, repair, or renovation work. For several years, information has indicated that the condition of the Ratna Bhandar is extremely weak, and its conservation has become absolutely essential. It is expected to be completed very soon. By the grace of Lord Jagannath, the conservation work of the Ratna Bhandar has been ongoing and is being carried out by the ASI.”

The Maharaja also expressed satisfaction with the progress and praised the craftsmanship involved. “Restoration work that began after the Rath Yatra festivities is progressing swiftly and is expected to be completed by July 6, in time for the sacred Niladri Bije ritual,” he said.

In line with the traditional architectural style of the temple, authorities have replaced approximately 600 stone blocks with newly carved stones to restore the temple’s structural integrity and aesthetics.

The repair work is being closely monitored by top officials including ASI Superintendent D.B. Gardnayak, Srimandir’s Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhi, and senior policy and development administrators.

Earlier, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan indicated that around 50 hours of restoration activity remained, and officials are now working diligently to complete it within the new timeline. Post-restoration, the inventory and counting of the Ratna Bhandar treasures will commence under the guidance of the Odisha Government.

The comprehensive review comes after concerns raised due to recent events and aims to assure devotees and stakeholders of the temple’s structural and spiritual sanctity. All operations are being carried out with the utmost reverence and precision, reflecting the cultural heritage and devotion associated with the shrine.

The Odisha Government and temple authorities have reiterated their commitment to transparency, security, and tradition throughout this process.

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