Bhubaneswar: Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Arvind Padhee, has written to the ASI Director General Yadubir Singh Rawat, urging swift completion of Ratna Bhandar repair work of the 12th-century shrine during Rath Yatra (June 28 – July 6).
The ASI began repairing the revered treasury of the Lords in July 2024 when it was reopened after 46 years.
The temple administration also informed the ASI that the agency’s scheduled supervision of the Jagannath temple’s ‘Garbhagriha’ should be carried out by an officer in the rank of deputy director or director during the festival.
Padhee also expressed gratitude to ASI for replacing khondalite stones near ‘Arun Stambha’, a monolithic rock representing ‘Aruna’, the charioteer of the Sun God, placed in front of the shrine and the ongoing repair and conservation efforts.
The letter highlighted the ramp construction at the northern gate completed as per Supreme Court orders, under ASI supervision and revised design for air-conditioning the Natamandap awaiting ASI approval. It also mentioned the discussions held with ASI consultants on temple illumination for which tender will be issued after submission of the report.
The letter stressed timely completion of all pending works to ensure the temple’s long-term conservation and safety.
