Sudarsan Pattnaik, a prominent sand artist, has appealed to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to expedite repair work within the ‘Ratna Bhandar’ of Puri’s revered Jagannath temple.

In a letter addressed to the chief minister, Pattnaik highlighted concerns raised by a technical committee of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) during their inspection of the inner chamber of Ratna Bhandar in 2018. The inspection revealed significant structural damages to the walls, ceiling, and basement, urging immediate repairs.

“Despite the committee’s recommendations six years ago, the necessary repairs have not been carried out, potentially exacerbating the damages over time,” Pattnaik expressed in his letter dated June 25. He further cited a recent laser scanning in February 2024 that detected cracks on the exterior of Ratna Bhandar, indicating further deterioration.

The Ratna Bhandar, housing valuable treasures of the Jagannath temple, holds immense historical and cultural significance. Pattnaik’s plea underscores the urgency of preserving this heritage site, urging swift action to safeguard its structural integrity.

The artist’s appeal comes amidst growing concerns over the state of conservation efforts at the temple, prompting calls for immediate governmental intervention to address the identified structural issues.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s office has acknowledged receiving the letter and assured that the matter will be reviewed promptly. Discussions are expected to ensue regarding necessary steps to initiate the repair and preservation efforts at the Ratna Bhandar.

The Jagannath temple, a symbol of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, remains a focal point for devotees and historians alike. The outcome of the proposed repairs will be closely monitored by concerned stakeholders to ensure the long-term preservation of this revered religious monument.