Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar repair work soon, inventory process to be completed by January 2025: Law Minister

Putting all speculations to rest, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Monday informed that the repair work of Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar will be undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) soon. Similarly, the inventory process of all the valuables, including gold and other ornaments of Lord Jagannath will be completed by January 2025 end.

While talking to reporters, the Law Minister further stated that only after the repair works are completed, the process of counting of valuables will start.

As per tradition and provision, the inventory process of Lord Jagannath’s valuables cannot be taken out outside Ratna Bhandar. At present all the valuables have been kept in safe custody in the temporary strong room after the Ratna Bhandar was opened in the month of July.

Also Read: Lord Jagannath land fraud: Puri Srimandir admin lodges police complaint

“We are waiting for ASI to complete the repair works. We are hoping to complete the inventory work by January 2025 end,” said Harichandan.

As per the preliminary discussions with experts involved in the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey, there are no secret chambers or tunnels in either the Bahara (outer) or Bhitara (inner) Bhandar.

Also Read: No secret tunnels or chambers in Puri Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar: Odisha Minister

“Already the GPS survey has ruled out the presence of any secret tunnel. Once we get the complete report, we can say more about it in a firm manner," he added.

Speaking about the cracks on the Mehghanand boundary, the Law Minister informed that a review will be held on Wednesday.