Bhubaneswar: Following the removal of empty almirahs and chests from enigmatic Ratna Bhandar of Puri Jagannath temple, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Saturday urged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to initiate inspection work at the earliest.
In a letter to the ASI Director-General, SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee emphasized the use of cutting-edge technology to survey the inner and outer chambers of Ratna Bhandar, the revered treasure trove of Lord Jagannath.
To facilitate a thorough examination, the SJTA has suggested that the ASI collaborate with specialized institutions like IIT or CBRI, which possess relevant expertise. Upon completion of the survey and inspection, the process will be taken up for repair work.
The inspection assumes significance in light of earlier concerns about potential secret tunnels or chambers within Ratna Bhandar. The SJTA has stressed the importance of ensuring that the inspection process does not adversely impact the temple’s structure or sanctity.
The upcoming inspection is a crucial step towards unravelling the secrets of Ratna Bhandar while preserving the temple’s integrity.
