Bhubaneswar: The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) will commence a preliminary inspection of the Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar from Wednesday using advanced technology to resolve the mystery surrounding the existence of tunnels or secret chambers within the treasure vault.
According to reports, a team of experts from CSIR-NGRI headed by an Additional Director-General (DG) of ASI will undertake an inspection of the Ratna Bhandar on Wednesday. Sri Jagannath Temple Administration Chief Administrator, Ratna Bhandar Inspection Committee chairman Justice Biswanath Rath and his team members will be present during the inspection.
Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan confirmed the news saying, “A team of ASI officials led by an Additional DG will carry out the preliminary inspection of the Puri Ratna Bhandar for three days starting September 18. After the inspection, the ASI will prepare a list of where repair work will be undertaken. They will try to find if there are any tunnels or secret chambers in the Ratna Bhandar.”
Public darshan of the Holy Trinity at the Jagannath Temple will be restricted for four hours from 2.00 pm on Wednesday. However, the devotees can enter the temple premises and also visit Ananda Bazar.
