Ratna Bhandar repair: Start inspection work with latest technology early as per SOP, SJTA writes to ASI DG

A day after all the empty cupboards and chests were shifted from Puri Srimandir’s Ratna Bhandar, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has shot off a letter to ASI DG to start inspection work soon.

In a letter, SJTA chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee has asked ASI DG to use the latest technology and start the survey work inside the inner and outer chambers of Ratna Bhandar, the treasure trove of Lord Jagannath.

The inspection works assume significance as earlier apprehensions were expressed regarding presence of some secrete tunnels or chambers inside Ratna Bhandar.

SJTA has also urged ASI to ensure that there is no adverse impact on the temple. The ASI has also been urged to conduct the necessary inspection work through IIT or CBRI-like institutions that have relative expertise. Once the necessary survey and inspection works are completed, the process will then be taken up for the repair works.

This will subsequently lead to the next process of counting and valuation of the ornaments and other valuables which have been shifted to a temporary strong room. All the valuables kept in the cupboards and chests were shifted to the temporary strong room near Khata Seja Ghara and Changada Ghara in two phases on July 14 and July 18, 2024.