ASI begins preliminary inspection of Ratna Bhandar at Puri’s Jagannath Temple

Bhubaneswar, Sept 18: A team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) today initiated a preliminary inspection of the Ratna Bhandar at Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. The inspection, conducted in collaboration with experts from the Hyderabad-based CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI), is overseen by the Additional Director General of ASI.

The ASI team is performing a non-invasive technical assessment to evaluate any potential damage to the structure, while the CSIR-NGRI specialists are preparing for a ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey by assessing the geo-physical equipment, lighting, and other necessary elements for the survey.

This inspection follows a standard operating procedure (SOP) approved by the state government and employs advanced technology. The team aims to investigate whether there are any hidden spaces or voids within the Ratna Bhandar, amid ongoing speculation about the existence of a secret tunnel.

The results of this inspection will guide necessary repairs and conservation efforts for Ratna Bhandar. The temple administration had requested ASI to conduct this detailed survey using modern techniques.

Public access to the 12th-century temple has been restricted on Wednesday to facilitate the inspection. According to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the temple will remain closed to devotees from 1 pm onwards to ensure the smooth conduct of the survey. Rituals including the Dwarafita Niti and Mangal Alati were performed earlier in the day at 2 am and 3 am, respectively.