How the Jagannath Temple is Set to Receive Major Conservation Upgrades

Collaborative Conservation Efforts for Jagannath Temple

Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have joined forces to enhance the preservation of the 12th-century temple's architectural features and structural soundness, according to officials.

Arabinda Padhee, the chief administrator of SJTA, and ASI Director General Yaduvendra Singh Rawat engaged in discussions on Saturday regarding conservation strategies for the Puri Jagannath temple.

The focus of their meeting was on maintaining the temple's architectural legacy, structural stability, and cultural importance, as stated in a release from SJTA.

Both organizations underscored the significance of their collaboration in protecting this iconic religious and cultural site.

Padhee shared on X, "I had a fruitful discussion with the ASI Director General and his esteemed team, where we thoroughly reviewed ongoing and future conservation projects for the Shree Jagannath Temple."

The discussions also highlighted essential restoration efforts planned for the ‘Garbha Griha’ (sanctum sanctorum) in preparation for the upcoming Ratha Yatra on June 27.

Topics included the remaining conservation and repair tasks for the ‘Ratna Bhandar’ (temple treasury) and the expedited completion of a ramp system to assist elderly and differently-abled visitors.

Plans for air-conditioning in the ‘Nata Mandapa’ (dance hall), facade lighting for the temple, and conservation activities at the ‘Jagamohana’ (assembly hall) were also part of the agenda.

Additionally, the proposal to install lightning arresters on subsidiary temples within the main complex was discussed.