Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar Set for Major Repair by ASI

Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan announced that the Archaeological Survey of India will soon start repairing the Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath Temple. The work will commence with the outer chamber, followed by the inner chamber, ensuring no disruption to rituals. An investigation into previous issues surrounding the treasury will also be conducted.

Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Sunday announced that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to initiate repairs on the Ratna Bhandar, the treasury of Jagannath Temple in Puri. The ASI will begin with an assessment and repair of the outer chamber, followed by the inner chamber.

Harichandan confirmed that alterations have been made to the standard operating procedure for the repair work, and the date for commencing the project will be finalised soon. He stressed that the rituals of Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities would remain undisturbed throughout the repair process.

The Odisha government is also contemplating laser scanning the inner chamber to uncover any secret compartments, according to Harichandan. Addressing concerns over duplicate keys to the 'Ratna Bhandar,' the minister criticized the previous BJD government for allegedly creating unnecessary drama to avoid opening the treasury. An investigation will be conducted to hold those responsible accountable.

Fulfilling the BJP's election promise, the government has begun listing the ornaments and valuables in the treasury and repairing the structure. A panel has already transferred the valuables to temporary strong rooms. Once the repairs are completed, these valuables will be restored under the supervision of a committee led by former Orissa High Court judge Justice Biswanath Rath.

(With inputs from agencies.)