Puri, Dec 11: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will begin renovation work on the Ratna Bhandar of Puri Srimandir on December 17.
A meeting chaired by Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the Chief Administrator of Srimandir, confirmed that the work will start after the second Bhoga Mandap is completed. It will take place daily from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Padhee stated that renovations will not occur on weekends or special days, and devotees will have to view Lord Jagannath and his deities from outside the temple during this period.
The renovation is expected to be completed within three months.
The repairs will follow the state government’s guidelines. Once the work is done, the ornaments will be moved from the temporary treasury back to the Ratna Bhandar, where an evaluation will take place.
The renovation will begin with the inner Ratna Bhandar, starting with inspections and repairs to wall cracks, de-plastering, cleaning, and replacing some stones.
Core conservation work, including pointing and grouting, will follow. After completion, the gems and ornaments will be moved to the Ratna Bhandar for further evaluation.
