ASI starts technical survey of Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar to ascertain hidden chamber

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Saturday afternoon began the second round of technical survey of the Ratna Bhandar of Puri Srimandir to ascertain whether there is any hidden chamber or tunnel inside it.

The survey of Ratna Bhandar will continue for three days. Hence, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has reportedly barred devotees from having ‘darshan’ of the sibling deities from 1 pm to 6 pm during the three-day period.

SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee has sought cooperation from the devotees in this matter.

As per sources, the ASI team also comprised experts from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI). They will meticulously conduct ground ground-penetrating radar survey inside the Ratna Bhandar to find if there is any hidden chamber. 

“The ASI team has come with all the sophisticated instruments and experts for horizontal and vertical examinations. The survey will be undertaken for three days on September 21, 22 and 23. It is expected that the survey will be completed within the period,” said Ratna Bhandar Inventory Committee Chairman Justice Biswanath Rath.