Bhubaneswar: Repair and renovation of Ratna Bhandar along with Garbha Gruha (sanctum sanctorum) of Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri will be taken up during the Lords’ annual sojourn to Gundicha temple.
The suspended repair work on the Ratna Bhandar, paused due to Chandan Yatra and other rituals since April 29, will resume from June 28 to July 6, as decided in a review meeting by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The Rath Yatra is scheduled for June 27, with Niladri Bije on July 8.
SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee stated that the ASI has been directed to complete chemical washing and scientific conservation of the Ratna Bhandar’s exterior within 7-10 days. Five rusted iron beams connecting the chambers have been replaced with stainless steel ones, and damaged stones are being substituted. “Four to five beams in the Bahara Ratna Bhandar will also be replaced with stainless steel box beams,” he said.
The SJTA plans to replace the metal mesh gate and wooden door of the Bahara Bhandar with a stainless steel gate and a Burma teak wood door, respectively. The new Bahara Bhandar door will be silver-clad, while the Bhitara Bhandar door will be gold-clad. Additionally, air-conditioners will be installed in the Natya Mandap for devotees’ comfort, he added.
ASI’s superintending archaeologist (Puri circle), Dibishida Garnayak, noted that the wooden frame with wire mesh in the Bimana (structure over the Ratna Simhasana in Garbha Gruha) is in poor condition and will be replaced with a stainless steel structure for protection, as recommended by the technical advisory committee. Chemical treatment and strength monitoring of the Garbha Gruha will also be conducted.
Both SJTA and ASI aim to complete the construction of a ramp at the north gate (Uttara Dwara) during the Rath Yatra to Niladri Bije period to facilitate access for persons with disabilities and senior citizens from the outer to the inner ‘bedha’ of the temple.
