Saswat Singhdeo

Puri: A day after the annual sojourn of the Holy Trinity - Rath Yatra began and with the deities leaving the temple, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) began the inspection work of Srimandir's Garbha Gruha (sanctum sanctorum) today.

As per reports, the ASI officials will inspect the first & second floors, walls, corbel and steel cross of the Garbha Gruha for which scaffoldings have been put up at the 12th century shrine. A joint team of ASI officials and the core committee will conduct inspection tomorrow. Special focus is being laid on air ventilation inside the Garbha Gruha.

On the other hand, even after a primary inspection, reports regarding water leakage couldn't be confirmed.

Speaking about the inspection work, Superintending Engineer of ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), Arun Mallick, said "We have begun primary inspection of the Garbha Gruha and started some work. Tomorrow, another inspection will be done along with the core committee. As far as water leakage is concerned, we have not found any traces of water yet."

Member of technical core committee, Dr N C Pal said, "Our priority is now Garbha Gruha, however, we will also conduct inspection of Jagamohan, Nata Mandap and Bhoga Mandap later. There is some pending work at the temple’s kitchen as well. We will try to wrap up the work in 9 days."

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