Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen )June 19: The treasury of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, known as Ratna Bhandar, is set to undergo a comprehensive inspection after a prolonged period. Official sources indicate that preparations are underway to open the 12th-century shrine’s treasury on July 8, immediately following the annual Rath Yatra of the deities.
D B Garnayak, the Superintending Archaeologist of ASI’s Puri circle, mentioned that the upcoming inspection will involve a thorough examination of Ratna Bhandar’s condition. Previous assessments in 2018 revealed structural issues such as cracks in the walls, fallen stones, and missing iron rods. A recent laser scanning of the northern side further highlighted concerns about stability and potential water seepage through these cracks.
The ASI’s report from February, submitted to the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, emphasized the need for strengthening and waterproofing the connection points, particularly near the northern wall where it adjoins the main temple’s Jagamohan. It also suggested removing plaster from the outer walls to better assess the extent of structural damage.
The inner chambers of Ratna Bhandar, divided into two parts, were last accessed in 1985, with the inventory of valuables last updated in 1978. While the outer chamber sees regular openings during festivals for priestly rituals involving ornaments, the comprehensive inspection planned for July aims to address long-standing structural concerns and ensure the treasury’s preservation and integrity.
