Bhubaneswar, Nov 18: The repair and inventory work of the Ratna Bhandar at Puri Jagannath Temple is expected to be completed by the end of January 2025, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced on Monday.

“The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been directed to begin repairs on the Ratna Bhandar after the conclusion of the Kartik month. Once the repairs are complete, the valuables will be shifted back from the temporary strongrooms, and an inventory will be conducted inside the Ratna Bhandar,” the minister stated.

Harichandan emphasized that the inventory of Lord Jagannath's valuables can only be conducted inside the Ratna Bhandar for security reasons. The repair work on the structure is essential before commencing this process.

Currently, restoration work on the Meghanad Pacheri (the temple's boundary wall) is in progress. A review meeting regarding the repair efforts is scheduled for November 20, the minister added.

Notably, the Ratna Bhandar was opened twice in July this year, following standard operating procedures, to transfer gold ornaments and other valuables to secure strongrooms.

Powered by Froala Editor