ASI To Conduct Reconnaissance Survey Lord Jagannath’s Ratna Bhandar On Sept 18

Puri: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will conduct reconnaissance survey of inner and outer chambers of Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s pilgrim town of Puri on September 18.

“The ASI authorities have informed that a team led by the Addl DG (Conservation ) and experts from CSIR- NGRI (National Geophysical Research Institute) will conduct preliminary inspection and technical survey of Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannath Temple this coming week,” Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator Arabinda Padhee posted on X.

He added that September 18 was fixed for the exercise in accordance with the government-approved SOP after a discussion with SJTA officials and sevayats concerned.

On August 24, the SJTA had requested ASI DG to initiate scanning and geo-physical investigation of the ‘Ratna Bhandar’ of the 12th-century shrine, using latest technology, before undertaking repair and renovation of the Lord’s treasury. The letter was sent a day after all seven empty iron chests and almirahs were shifted from the Ratna Bhandar to a room near Niladri Vihar museum on the temple premises.

The ASI is likely to conduct the necessary inspection work through IIT or CBRI-like institutions that have expertise while ensuring no adverse impact on the 12th-century shrine.

Notably, Ratna Bhandar was opened for the first time in 46 years and the ornaments and valuables from the outer and inner chamber were shifted to a temporary strong room inside the temple on July 14 and July 18 respectively.