ASI Suspends Repair Work of Sri Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandars for Ritual Observances

Puri, April 26 : The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has announced the suspension of ongoing repair and conservation work at the Sri Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandars (temple treasuries) from April 27 to June 27, to accommodate major rituals and festivals of the presiding deities.

According to temple authorities, the break in repair work is essential to facilitate the smooth observance of several important rituals, including the 21-day-long Chandan Yatra beginning on April 29 and Akshaya Tritiya on April 30. This will be followed by another 21-day Bhitar Chandan Yatra.

Speaking to the media, Chief Administrator of the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Dr. Arvind Padhee confirmed that Snana Purnima — the grand ceremonial bathing of Lord Jagannath and His siblings — will be observed during this period. After the holy bath, the deities will undergo the traditional Anasara period, where they are believed to fall ill and rest in isolation, closing public darshan (viewing) temporarily.

The deities will reappear for devotees during Sandhya Darshan and, on June 27, they will mount their grand chariots for the world-famous Rath Yatra, traveling to their birthplace, the Gundicha Temple, for a nine-day festival.

Dr. Padhee, who chaired a high-level meeting regarding the conservation work, stated that repairs would resume from June 28, immediately after Rath Yatra celebrations conclude. The meeting was attended by Chhatisha Nijog president Janardan Pattajoshi, ASI conservation head Chittranjan Das, traditional temple officials including the Bhandar Mekap, Deula Karan, Tadhau Karan, and senior servitors.

ASI officials briefed the gathering that significant progress had already been made. The repair work inside the Bhitar Ratna Bhandar (Inner Treasury) is nearly complete, with granite slabs ready to be installed on the floor. In the Bahar Ratna Bhandar (Outer Treasury), nine steel box beams have been fixed, with five more pending, and the corroded old iron clamps have been replaced with new ones.

A total of 277 damaged stones, including 148 in the Bhitar Ratna Bhandar, have been replaced, and scaffolding from the Bhitar Ratna Bhandar has been dismantled. From December 17, 2024, to April 25, 2025, the ASI has clocked 193 hours of repair work. Dr. Padhee indicated that about 50 more working hours are needed to fully complete the ongoing conservation efforts.

The careful scheduling of restoration activities ensures the temple’s centuries-old traditions and spiritual atmosphere are preserved without compromising essential conservation work.