The renovation work of the Ratna Bhandar, the sacred treasury of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, has been successfully completed. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) carried out the restoration work over 95 days, involving 333 hours of intense labor.
Renovation Highlights:
The Ratna Bhandar's stability has been ensured for at least 200 years with the replacement of 520 damaged stone blocks and installation of 15 stainless steel beams.
The roof has been waterproofed, and the floor has been covered with new granite stones.
A team of 80 employees from ASI worked on the renovation, utilizing advanced scientific methods.
A high-level committee will be formed to conduct a detailed inventory of the Ratnabhandar's jewels, following special Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The census is expected to take place in August, with experts from the Reserve Bank of India and other institutions assisting in the process.
The gems and jewellery currently stored in temporary beds and flower beds will be shifted to the Ratna Bhandar soon.
A new list of all the ornaments of the Ratnabhandar will be prepared, and the jewelry will be counted again and matched with the list.