The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) authorities are gearing up for the repair and restoration work of the Ratna Bhandar, the treasure trove of the12th century shrine in Puri, following a detailed discussion during a meeting with the Chhattisa Nijog.
According to sources, the meeting discussed about special measures to be taken during the repair work to ensure that the sacred rituals and the visits of devotees are not affected.
The temple administration is taking every step to ensure the ‘Niti Kanti’ and darshan of devotees do not get disrupted throughout the renovation process. While the exact timeline and duration of the renovation have not been confirmed, a comprehensive proposal is in development to establish the repair timeline.
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A two-member committee, comprising the temple’s ritual administrator and commander, has been formed by the Shreemandir committee to supervise the restoration process. Their responsibilities include ensuring that the heritage and religious practices at the temple continue seamlessly.
Additionally, the temple administration has also received the laser scanning and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey reports of the Ratna Bhandar that revealed some concerns about cracks in the stones and walls of the structure.
After verifying the survey reports, the temple management has formally requested the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to expedite the repair works. Preliminary reports indicate the presence of structural cracks, prompting the ASI to focus on durable restoration measures.
“The preservation of the temple’s ancient architecture is a priority, and the ASI is exploring sustainable methods for repairing the identified structural issues. The temple authorities are keen to commence work swiftly to preserve both the physical structure and its spiritual significance for future generations,” a temple servitor said.
