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Puri Jagannath Temple appeals to ASI to complete the repair of 'Ratna Bhandar' before Rath Yatra
Jagannath Rath Yatra: The repair work of Ratna Bhandar, associated with the history and faith of Puri Jagannath Temple, is now being expedited. On an auspicious occasion like Rath Yatra, when the deities will not be in the temple, this is considered to be the right time to get the repair work done. Efforts are being made by the administration and the Archaeological Department to ensure the long-term safety and conservation of the temple.
The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in the town of Puri, Odisha asked the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to finish the restoration work of the shrine's 'Ratna Bhandar' of the Lord Jagannath Temple during the next Rath Yatra, when the Lord Jagannath will be away from the shrine for nine days along with his siblings.
Ratna Bhandar refers to the chamber in the Sri Jagannath Temple housing the Lord's precious objects and jewels. This store was opened after 46 years in July 2024, when the ASI started its repair and conservation work.
In the matter, SJTA Chief Administrator and IAS officer Arvind Padi has written a letter to ASI Director General Yadubir Singh Rawat saying that between June 28 and July 6, when Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra will be in Gundicha temple on Rath Yatra, the remaining repairs of Ratna Bhandar should be completed during that time. Rath Yatra will be held on June 27 this year.
