Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has officially dismissed rumors about the existence of secret tunnels or hidden chambers in the Ratna Bhandar of the Puri Jagannath Temple.
In a statement Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan revealed that there are no such secret tunnels/chambers in the 12th-century temple complex. His statement comes amidst reports of ASI conducting laser scanning.
The temple has long been rumorued to contain hidden chambers, possibly housing precious jewels. However, the Law Minister has finally put all the speculations to rest. However, he maintained that a final survey report would be published soon.
“The ASI survey report is taking time. However, the preliminary report suggests that there are no secret tunnels/chambers. The survey was helpful in finding out the cracks inside the Ratna Bhandar. We will find a permanent solution,” the Law Minister added.
The further announced that the ASI would start the repair works of both the outer and inner chambers of the Ratna Bhandar very soon. The counting of the valuables will commence in the New Year after the completion of the repair works, he added.
“The temple complex is thronged by devotees as it is the month of Kartik. So, the repair works will be undertaken later and is expected to be completed in 1.5 months. The counting will begin inside the Ratna Bhandar only after the completion of the repair works,” Harichandan stated.
He further revealed that the counting of the valuables will be done inside the Ratna Bhandar, keeping in mind the safety and also the belief of millions of Jagannath devotees.