Ratna Bhandar was on verge of collapse, govt intervention helped avert disaster: Min

Bhubaneswar: Puri Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar (treasury) was on the verge of collapse before timely intervention from the govt helped avert disaster, state law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Sunday.

Restoration work began four months ago after the Ratna Bhandar was opened for the first time in 46 years on July 14, 2024. The minister said repair work is being carried out at a measured pace to ensure the structure's stability for the next 100 years.

"The Ratna Bhandar was so badly damaged that it would have collapsed anytime. By god's grace, the govt timely intervened and started the repair work on Dec 17. The repair work is being undertaken by the ASI with utmost care," Harichandan said.

The minister's statement comes a few days after retired Justice Biswanath Rath, who heads the govt-appointed panel to oversee conservation efforts, had made similar observations.

The Ratna Bhandar, located on the Jagannath Temple's northern side near the sanctum sanctorum, comprises two sections — inner and outer chamber — where the ornaments of the sibling deities are stored.

The minister clarified that ASI faces no urgency or pressure to hasten the restoration process, given the sensitive nature of the work. He stressed that rushing could affect work quality. The minister said daily restoration work is carried out for about 1-2 hours, considering religious and procedural limitations.

ASI officials aim to complete the restoration work before the June 11 Debasnana Purnima. "The extent of damage inside the Ratna Bhandar was massive. It is being carefully addressed to ensure its stability and safety for next 100 years," Harichandan said.

ASI sources indicated that inner chamber's conservation is nearing completion, while floor renovation awaits attention. The damaged floor will be replaced with khondalite stone. Five damaged inner chamber beams have been replaced with ones made of stainless steel.

The outer chamber's renovation also nears completion, including replacement of damaged stone and repair of the exterior.

"There were serious vertical cracks in both the chambers. The conservation work involved replacing damaged wrought iron beams on the roof, a corbel arch, and consolidating the cracks on the walls. In the outer chamber, the weathered and weak lime plaster of the sloped surface had showed cracks which needed de-plastering and appropriate consolidation. The junction area between the Ratna Bhandar and Jagamohan required strengthening and proper water-tightening measures," an ASI official said.