Treasure Chests & Almirahs Shifted, SJTA Urges ASI To Begin Inspection Of Puri Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar

Puri: After shifting empty treasure chests and almirahs from both chambers of Ratna Bhandar, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has shot off a letter to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) DG to start the inspection work.

The SJTA chief Administrator, Arabinda Padhee, has asked ASI DG to take over the Ratna Bhandar and initiate scanning and geo-physical investigation using latest technology, conservation, repair and restoration of inner and outer chambers of treasure trove of Lord Jagannath in Odisha’s Puri.

The inspection works assume significance amid apprehensions about presence of some secrete tunnels or chambers inside Ratna Bhandar.

The SJTA has also urged ASI to conduct the necessary inspection work through IIT or CBRI-like institutions that have relative expertise while ensuring no adverse impact on the 12th-century shrine. Once the necessary survey and inspection works are completed, the process for the repair works will begin.

On Friday, four empty iron/wooden chests and almirahs were shifted from the Ratna Bhandar to a room near Niladri Vihar museum on the temple premises by following the standard operating procedure. At 2 pm, the 12-member core committee entered the chambers and the shifting work was completed by 4.50 pm. A portion of the wooden door of the outer chamber had to be chiselled for the removal of empty iron chests and later, it was repaired, Padhee had told reporters.

The entire operation was videographed and conducted in the presence of a magistrate.

The SJTA chief said that a decision on if the old containers will be displayed as artefacts at the museum is yet to be taken.

Jewellery and other precious items stored in those containers were shifted to temporary strong rooms inside the temple in two phases in July when the Ratna Bhandar was reopened after 46 years for an inventory of valuables and the repair of its structure.

The conservation work would involve replacement of damaged wrought iron beams on the roof, a corbel arch and consolidation of the cracks on the walls of Ratna Bhandar, sources said.