Bhubaneswar: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has confirmed through a recent Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey that no hidden chambers or shelves exist within the walls or beneath the floor of the Ratna Bhandar (treasury) in the Puri Jagannath Temple.
The ASI announced the findings on its official social media handle X (formerly Twitter), citing the report of the GPR survey conducted in September 2024, which confirmed that no hidden spaces exist.
The Ratna Bhandar, constructed in the late medieval period, is built in the traditional Kalinga Pidha style and serves as the repository for the valuables associated with the Chaturdha Murti — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshan Chakra. Made from Khondalite stone, the structure consists of two sections: the inner (Bhitara) Ratna Bhandar and the outer (Bahara) Bhandar, separated by a locked iron grill gate.
Following the survey, ASI initiated a two-phase core conservation program beginning 17 December 2024. The first phase lasted until 28 April 2025, while the second phase took place from 28 June to 7 July 2025.
Conservation activities involved erecting scaffolding inside and outside the chambers, carefully removing plaster from ceilings, walls, corbels, and the exterior Pidha façade to assess the building’s condition. Damaged stones and loose joints were identified, sealed, and chemically cleaned.
Key restoration work included replacing deteriorated stone components with new Khondalite blocks matching the original design and substituting corroded wrought iron beams with specially fabricated stainless steel box beams to enhance durability. Polymer Modified Cement (PMC) grouting was applied at critical points for additional structural reinforcement.
The flooring was upgraded with granite slabs laid over a cushioned sandstone base, improving drainage and ensuring smooth operation of the doors. The inner iron grill gate was chemically cleaned and repainted with a golden preservative coating to protect against corrosion.
Throughout the restoration, the ASI’s Technical Core Conservation Committee took special care to respect the temple’s religious customs and veneration practices.
With the completion of these extensive conservation measures, the Ratna Bhandar is now structurally sound and well-preserved, safeguarding this sacred treasury as an enduring part of the Puri Jagannath Temple for future generations.
