Have the Repair and Restoration Works of the Jagannath Temple's 'Ratna Bhandar' Been Completed?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Completion of restoration work for Ratna Bhandar announced.
- Use of advanced technology like laser scanning in the assessment.
- 520 damaged stones replaced during restoration.
- Installation of stainless steel beams to enhance structural integrity.
- Future inventory of treasures planned post-restoration.
Bhubaneswar, July 7 (NationPress) The chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Arabinda Kumar Padhee, announced on Monday that the repair and restoration works of the Ratna Bhandar, the treasure trove of the 12th-century shrine located in Puri, have been successfully completed.
Padhee stated, “We would like to inform everyone that the repair and restoration work of the Ratna Bhandar, which commenced last year, has reached completion today.”
In a media briefing, Padhee revealed that the ASI team accomplished the renovation tasks in just 95 days, utilizing approximately 333 hours. He further mentioned that around 520 Khondalite stones, which were identified as damaged during laser scanning, were replaced during the restoration. The floors were enhanced with granite stones.
The Chief Administrator also indicated that 15 stainless steel beams were incorporated in the restoration of both the inner and outer chambers of Ratna Bhandar.
He expressed optimism that the restoration efforts would endure for at least the next two centuries.
Padhee noted that in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) established by the state government, the inner and outer chambers of Ratna Bhandar are set to reopen on July 14, 2024.
Additionally, he mentioned that the relocation of valuable ornaments, blank trunks, and iron chests from Ratna Bhandar to secure temporary strong rooms within the temple premises was executed between July and September of the previous year.
The inspection and technical survey, which included laser scanning and radar penetration assessments of Ratna Bhandar, commenced upon receiving the updated SoP from the state government.
The technical survey team from the Hyderabad-based CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute conducted the evaluations of the inner and outer chambers using cutting-edge scientific tools.
The inspection and survey tasks were finalized in September. Following the technical team's report, the ASI initiated repair and restoration efforts on December 17, 2024.
The first phase of the restoration work lasted from December 17, 2024, to April 28, 2025. Renovation efforts resumed on June 28 this year and concluded on Monday.
Padhee mentioned that an inventory of the ornaments and precious jewelry will be conducted following the return of these valuables to the Ratna Bhandar.