Jagannath Temple Authorities Push for Timely Repairs Ahead of Rath Yatra Festival
Urgent Repairs Requested for Ratna Bhandar
Bhubaneswar: Officials at the Jagannath temple in Puri have called on the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to finalize the repair work in the Ratna Bhandar (treasury) during the upcoming Rath Yatra festival, when the deities will be temporarily housed in another temple for nine days.
The ASI, responsible for the preservation of the 12th-century temple, initiated repairs on the Ratna Bhandar in July 2024, marking its reopening after 46 years.
In a formal request, Arabinda Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), urged ASI Director General Yadubir Singh Rawat to accelerate the ongoing conservation efforts.
Padhee specified that the remaining tasks should be completed between June 28 and July 6, coinciding with the Rath Yatra, which is set to commence on June 27.
During this annual festival, Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, travels from the temple to the Gundicha Temple, regarded as their aunt's residence, where they stay for several days before returning. The deities are transported in elaborately decorated chariots, pulled by thousands of devotees.
Last year, the Ratna Bhandar was also opened during the Rath Yatra while the deities were away.
Padhee, an IAS officer, also informed the ASI that a deputy director or director should oversee the scheduled supervision of the temple's 'Garbhagriha' (sanctum sanctorum) during the festival.
He expressed appreciation for the ASI's efforts in replacing the Khondalite stone near the 'Aruna Stambha' and for preserving the temple's valuable treasures.
The 'Aruna Stambha', a monolithic structure symbolizing 'Aruna', the charioteer of the Sun God, stands in front of the Jagannath temple.
Padhee noted that the ramp construction at the temple's northern gate has been completed in accordance with Supreme Court directives, under ASI supervision.
The SJTA has submitted a revised design for air-conditioning the 'Natamandap' (dancing hall), pending ASI approval.
Discussions are ongoing with ASI consultants regarding the temple's illumination.
The letter highlighted the necessity of completing all outstanding tasks within set deadlines to ensure the long-term preservation and safety of the Shree Jagannath Temple.
In related news, Padhee convened a meeting with four 'Badagrahi' (idol bodyguards during Rath Yatra) servitors to discuss the smooth conduct of the Pahandi (procession) of the deities. He mentioned that mobile phone usage on chariots has been prohibited and urged servitors to facilitate a seamless Rath Yatra.