Puri: A team of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) began a preliminary inspection of Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri town on Wednesday.
According to sources, preliminary examination of the structure is being carried out by ASI along with a team from Hyderabad-based CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI). The whole operation is being conducted under the supervision of Additional Director General of ASI.
While a technical team of ASI is conducting a non-invasive technical assessment of the treasury to determine damage in the structure, CSIR-NGRI experts are examining the chambers to ascertain the geo-physical equipment, light and other elements required for conducting ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey in the treasury.
The inspection is being conducted as per the standard operating procedure (SOP) approved by the state government. The inspection work is being undertaken with the help of high-tech gadgets.
The team will also try to ascertain if there is something below the earth or any void on walls inside Ratna Bhandar as several stories surrounding presence of secret tunnel are being discussed.
The inspection by the experts’ team assumes significance as steps will be taken for the repair of the Ratna Bhandar on the basis of the findings during the examination of the structure.
The temple administration had requested the ASI to conduct the conservation and repair work after surveying with modern techniques.
Notably, public darshan at the 12th century shrine has been restricted on Wednesday in view of inspection of Ratna Bhandar by ASI.
According to Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), devotees are be barred from entering the temple from 1 pm onwards for smooth conduct of the reconnaissance survey of inner and outer chambers of the Lord’s treasury. Dwarafita Niti (a ritual for opening the main entrance of the temple) was performed at 2 am and Mangal Alati of deities at 3 am.
Earlier, all the jewellery of Lords had been removed from Ratna Bahandar and kept in a temporary strong room under strict security. Later, the almirah and boxes were also removed from inside the temple treasury.