Bhubaneswar, (Repoterspen), Aug 24: After removing empty treasure chests and almirahs from both chambers of Ratna Bhandar, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has requested the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Director-General to initiate an inspection of the site.
SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee has asked the ASI DG to undertake scanning, geo-physical investigations, conservation, repair, and restoration of the inner and outer chambers of Lord Jagannath’s treasure trove in Puri, Odisha.
This inspection is crucial due to concerns about possible hidden tunnels or chambers within Ratna Bhandar. The SJTA has also recommended that the ASI collaborate with specialized institutions such as IIT or CBRI, which have relevant expertise, ensuring that the inspection does not negatively affect the 12th-century shrine. Following the survey and inspection, repair work will commence.
On Friday, four empty iron and wooden chests, along with almirahs, were transferred from Ratna Bhandar to a room near the Niladri Vihar museum on the temple grounds. The transfer, carried out according to standard procedures, was completed between 2 pm and 4:50 pm. To facilitate the removal of the chests, a portion of the wooden door of the outer chamber was chiselled and subsequently repaired, as reported by Padhee.
