Puri: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) will repair a joint between Srimandir Jagamohan and Natamandap during the upcoming Rath Yatra of the presiding deities.
This was revealed at a review meeting on the shrine renovation recently. Newly appointed SJTA chief administrator Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra presided over the meet, sources said. The meeting finalised a time schedule for completion of repair work being carried out at the 12th century shrine, sources added.
“The repair work on a joining structure between Jagamohan and Natamandap will commence a day after the Srigundicha Yatra and it is scheduled to be completed before the Niladri Bije ritual. We will install two beams at the joint to strengthen it. Moreover, there will be pinning and grouting work,” said an ASI official.
According to sources, the ASI will remove stainless steel scaffolding near Garuda Pillar at Natamandap prior to the Debasnana Purnima June 28. The scaffolding was earlier installed to support the dilapidated structure. “We will remove the scaffolding much ahead of the Debasnana Purnima. Steps will be taken to remove a platform installed at the Jay-Bijay gate of the shrine for carrying out renovation work. Otherwise, there is possibility of obstruction to the Pahandi procession of the deities,” added the official.
It is learnt that experts will examine the status of Natamandap’s walls, ceiling, beams and pillars thoroughly during the Rath Yatra. The ASI will complete renovation work in subsidiary temples like Sarba Mangala, Mahalaxmi, Surya and Baikuntheswar by August-end. They will also renovate Jhulana Mandap and a few other structures on Srimandir premises during that period. “Repair work will be carried out at a few more subsidiary temples by March-end, next year,” said a source in the ASI.
The SJTA, meanwhile, repaired the lightning arrester installed at the main temple. It has also started renovating the second storey of the main temple. “We are now replacing a few weak stones with new ones in the temple walls. In order to prevent rusting, we are applying a chemical coat on scaffolding installed at the second storey,” said a temple official.
Among others, ASI superintendent Hemasagar Abhaya Nayak, SJTA superintending engineer Bindheswar Patra and ASI senior conservation assistant Chittaranjan Das were present at the review meet.
