Puri, July 29: A crucial meeting of the Ratna Bhandar Committee is set to take place today at the Jagannath Temple office, scheduled for 11 am. The meeting will be chaired by Justice Biswanath Rath and will focus on the repair work of the Ratna Bhandar, the treasury of Lord Jagannath, as well as the counting and valuation of its valuables.
All committee members are expected to attend the meeting, which comes in light of recent updates from Odisha's Law Minister, Prithviraj Harichandan. On July 28, Harichandan informed that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is preparing to commence the repair work on the Ratna Bhandar soon.
In his address to the media, Harichandan explained that the ASI has completed the inspection process, and the State government has decided to make slight modifications to the standard operating procedure (SOP) for conducting the repairs. The repair process will begin with the outer Ratna Bhandar, followed by the inner chamber. The committee is also expected to discuss the possibility of conducting a laser scan of the inner chamber to assess its condition comprehensively.
The Minister emphasised that special attention is being given to ensure the smooth conduct of rituals for Lord Jagannath and his siblings during the repair work. A detailed discussion with the temple servitors has already taken place to address any concerns and coordinate efforts. The exact date for the commencement of the repair work will be announced shortly.
This meeting marks a significant step in the preservation and maintenance of the historic Ratna Bhandar, which houses the invaluable treasures of the Jagannath Temple.
