ASI To Inspect Ratna Bhandar Of Puri Jagannath Temple In 2 Days Before Taking Up Repair: Odisha Law Minister

Bhubaneswar: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will conduct a thorough inspection of the interior of Bhitara Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannath Temple at Puri in a day or two, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said on Monday.

Noting that all ornaments and other valuables have already been shifted from the inner chamber of the treasury, the Minister told reporters that a team of the ASI will begin inspection of the Ratna Bhandar in a day or two.

After the ASI team goes inside the Ratna Bhandar and thoroughly inspects the internal structure, it will make a proper assessment of its actual condition and ascertain the repair work required to be undertaken, he said.

Thereafter, discussion will be held on the time required for the repair work and when the process should begin. After receiving a detailed proposal, the state government will examine the proposed time schedule and accord permission for taking up the repair work of the treasury, the Minister said.

Before the repair work is started, a meeting will be held to discuss the whole issue threadbare and work out a modalities for undertaking the whole exercise.

Notably, the Ratna Bhandar of the 12th century shrine was opened twice on July 14 and 18. All valuables have been shifted from outer and inner chambers of the Ratna Bhandar to a temporary strong room set up inside the temple complex. Tight security measures have been taken for the safety and security of the valuables.

While the need for repair of the Ratna Bhandar structures has been underlined from different quarters, the ASI is likely to use state-of-the-art technology to conduct thorough examination of the structure to assess the exact status. Modern technology is also likely to be used for undertaking the repair work, sources said.