Inspection of Ratna Bhandar at Shree Jagannath Temple set for Sept 18

Bhubaneswar, Sept 12: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is scheduled to perform a reconnaissance survey of the inner and outer chambers of the Ratna Bhandar at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, on September 18.

According to Arabinda Padhee, chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), a team led by the Additional Director General (Conservation) and experts from the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) will conduct a preliminary inspection and technical survey of the Ratna Bhandar.

This inspection will be carried out in line with the government-approved standard operating procedures following discussions with SJTA officials and temple sevayats.

The SJTA had previously requested the ASI Director General on August 24 to carry out scanning and geophysical investigations of the Ratna Bhandar using advanced technology, prior to any repairs or renovations. This request came after seven empty iron chests and almirahs were relocated from the Ratna Bhandar to a room near the Niladri Vihar museum on the temple grounds.

 The ASI is expected to employ institutions with specialized expertise, such as IIT or CBRI, to ensure that the 12th-century shrine remains unaffected. The Ratna Bhandar was last opened on July 14 and 18 for the first time in 46 years, with its valuables being moved to a temporary secure location within the temple.