'Sri Jagannath Ratna Bhandar Repairs To Be Completed Before Rath Yatra,' Says SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee

Bhubaneswar: Restoration work on the Ratna Bhandar of Puri’s Shree Jagannath Temple is nearing completion and is expected to finish ahead of the annual Rath Yatra festival.

SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee expressed confidence that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will complete the repair work in time for the much-awaited festival.

Restoration Update

Padhee recently reviewed the progress and shared updates on social media following discussions with the ASI’s Puri division officer. He said conservation work inside the inner Ratna Bhandar is nearly done, with only some flooring work pending.

Major Repairs

Work on the outer Ratna Bhandar has also seen significant advancement. Most of the damaged stone structures have been replaced, and reinforcement of weakened stones on the Jagamohan platform is almost complete.

A key development is the installation of five stainless steel beams inside the inner chamber, which Padhee called a major milestone in strengthening the treasury's structural integrity.

Countdown to Rath Yatra

With the temple’s safety and heritage preservation in sharp focus, the restoration efforts are being closely followed by devotees and heritage enthusiasts. As preparations for Rath Yatra gather pace, the timely completion of these repairs will ensure the festival proceeds smoothly, reinforcing faith and safeguarding tradition.