Efforts are underway to complete all renovation and beautification works at the Gundicha Temple in Puri before the upcoming Rath Yatra festival. This was informed by Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA)’s Chief Administrator, Arabinda Padhee, after reviewing the ongoing works at the temple premises on Tuesday.

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Accompanied by senior officials of the SJTA, Chief Administrator Padhee inspected the development and restoration work being carried out around and inside the historic Gundicha Temple. Officials also reviewed the progress of infrastructure upgrades and conservation measures aimed at improving facilities for devotees visiting during Rath Yatra.

According to the temple administration, several important sections inside the temple, including Tunia Mahal, Rosha Shala, and Ballav Ghar, have been renovated and given a new look while preserving the traditional Kalinga architectural style. Renovation work of the northern gate of the temple has also been completed.

Development work is also underway at Saradhabali near the temple, where devotees gather in large numbers during the annual chariot festival of Lord Jagannath. The administration stated that all work is being executed carefully without affecting the original architectural heritage of the temple.

Padhee said devotees would experience a refreshed and improved atmosphere once the ongoing projects are completed. Authorities are making every possible effort to finish the remaining work before Rath Yatra begins.

The Chief Administrator further informed that the Gundicha Temple will be reopened for general devotees after the Rath Yatra. A detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has also been prepared to regulate visitor entry and temple management during the reopening phase.

“Now, the remaining three sides of the walls are being covered with Khondalite stones, and landscaping is also being done. Additionally, the dome at the North gate near the Nrusingha Temple is being completely renovated. It is being done in the Odia Kalinga architectural style by our local artisans and sculptors,” Chief Administrator Padhee said.

“Furthermore, inside the Shri Gundicha Temple, Tunia Mahal, Ballav Ghar, and the annex of the kitchen are being completely rebuilt anew by us. The stones in the inner courtyard (Chakada) of the Gundicha Temple, which were damaged, are being completely renovated. Inside the temple, all the systems – where beams need to be installed, where doors need to be changed, where stones need to be replaced – are also being completely renovated,” the senior official added.