Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has urged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to take necessary steps for completion of the inspection work of Ratna Bhandar of the 12th century shrine in Odisha’s Puri town by September 24.
In a letter to the Director General of ASI, Chief Administrator of SJTA Arabinda Padhee said necessary steps may be taken to ensure that the technical survey of Jagannath Temple’s treasury is completed by September 24 in view of the special rituals of the Holy Trinity during Dussehra ‘Shola Puja’ and the holy month of Kartik.
Sources said Padhee has also urged the ASI to submit the survey report within the stipulated time.
Notably, the experts’ team led by the ASI conducted the first phase of inspection of Ratna Bhandar on Wednesday. The 17-member team conducted a detailed assessment using laser scanners. Proper assessment of the structure is necessary for carrying out repair work of Ratna Bhandar.
A GPR (using ground penetrating radar) survey is also likely to be conducted to find out if there is something below the ground or any void on walls inside the treasury.
Earlier, all the valuables including gold ornaments had been shifted to a temporary strong room inside the temple complex.
