States » EastPosted at: Jun 14 2025 9:55PM


SJTA urges ASI to expedite repair work of Sri Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar during Car Festival

Puri, June 14 (UNI) The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has urged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to expedite the repair and conservation work of the Ratna Bhandars (treasure chambers) of the Shree Jagannath Temple during the upcoming Rath Yatra (Car Festival).
In a letter addressed to the Director General of ASI, Chief Administrator of SJTA, Dr. Arvind Kumar Padhi, emphasized the urgent need to complete the conservation work of the Ratna Bhandars before or during the Rath Yatra(June 28 to July 6 ).
He requested that the task be taken up on a priority basis, considering the religious and architectural significance of the treasure chambers of the temple.
Dr. Padhi also informed that the supervision of the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and other major conservation activities during the Rath Yatra will be undertaken by a Deputy Director General or a Director-level officer from ASI.
Expressing gratitude to ASI for the replacement of khondalite stone near the Aruna Stambha (Aruna pillar) and for the progress made so far in conserving the Ratna Bhandar Dr. Padhi said as per Supreme Court directives, a ramp has been constructed at the North Gate under ASI’s guidance to enable the devotees with disability to enter the temple and offer prayers.
He said a revised design has been submitted for air-conditioning the Natamandap, and the consent from ASI has been sought for this modification.
Discussions have been held with the ASI consultant regarding the illumination of Parswa Debata Mandirs (subsidiary temples within the complex).
The ASI has granted clearance, and once the detailed report is received, SJTA will invite tenders for the illumination work, Padhee said, adding that the lighting of the entire temple complex will be enhanced by upgrading the existing system.
The Chief Administrator reiterates the importance of the timely completion of all conservation work, which is vital for the temple’s long-term preservation.
During the ongoing Anasara (period when the deities are secluded for recuperation), Dr. Padhi held a crucial meeting with the Daita servitors to ensure the timely performance of rituals related to the deities, especially the Pahandi (ceremonial procession of deities), and to ensure their safety.
The Daita Nijog (servitors' association) agreed to form four dedicated groups to carry out the Pahandi of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshan. Each group will include the number of Daitas and supporting servitors as specified in the Record of Rights. A three-member panel has recommended the number of servitors required for the Pahandi of each deity.
This year, two major rituals—Netrotsav and Nabajouban Darshan—will be observed on the same day. Dr. Padhi emphasized seamless coordination among different groups of servitors to ensure timely rituals, secure movement of the deities, hassle-free darshan for devotees, and smooth distribution of Mahaprasad.
He reiterated that any unauthorized person found on the chariots (rathas), including servitors not on duty or those using mobile phones during the procession, would face legal action.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Padhi said the individual who touched the deities during Snana Purnima is being identified through CCTV footage, and appropriate action will be taken under the law after the investigation.
He also thanked ASI for laying new khandolite stone slabs around the Simhadwar and Aruna Stambha. In his letter, the Chief Administrator requested senior ASI officials to visit Puri during the Rath Yatra to inspect the quality of the ongoing conservation work.
UNI XC DP BD
Tags: #SJTA urges ASI to expedite repair work of Sri Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar during Car Festival
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