Puri, July 8: The long-awaited renovation of the Ratna Bhandar, the sacred treasury of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, has been completed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), just in time for Niladri Bije, marking the return of the deities after the annual Rath Yatra.
The restoration, completed in 95 days (332 hours and 47 minutes), involved both the inner and outer chambers of the treasury and was carried out under the supervision of temple authorities and representatives of the Gajapati Maharaja. According to Dr. Arabinda Padhee, Chief Administrator of the temple, the work ensures structural integrity for the next 200 years.
The renovation included the installation of 21 beams, with 15 stainless steel beams in the ceiling. The damaged iron beams, corroded by decades of water leakage, were replaced-six in the inner and nine in the outer chamber. The floor was rebuilt using granite and 520 new Khandolite stones. Cracks detected via laser scanning were sealed, and the roof was water-proofed to prevent future leaks.
The outer door, crafted from Burma teak, will be silver-plated, while the inner door is set to receive gold cladding. Triple-layered security locks have been installed, and keys secured appropriately.
The Ratna Bhandar was last opened on July 14, 2024, after four decades. Following inspections and SOP-based planning, ornaments stored in temporary strongrooms will soon be returned to their original place.
According to ASI Superintendent Dibyadarshi Gardnayak, the restoration began on December 12, 2024, and concluded on July 7, 2025, despite brief pauses for temple rituals. The work included joint sealing, grouting, chemical washing, and replacement of deteriorated materials using scientific conservation methods.
A high-level committee will now oversee the inventory and verification of the temple’s treasures, in alignment with the state government's SOPs.
