ASI to Inspect Shree Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar on September 18

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will inspect the inner and outer chambers of Ratna Bhandar at Shree Jagannath temple in Puri on September 18. The inspection follows a request from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) for a technical survey and potential repair work after the treasury was last opened in July.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will inspect the inner and outer chambers of Ratna Bhandar (treasury) of Shree Jagannath temple in Puri on September 18, SJTA said on Thursday.

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) revealed in a statement that a team led by the additional DG (Conservation) and experts from CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute will conduct a preliminary inspection and technical survey of Ratna Bhandar next week.

SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee, while taking to X, stated, 'After discussion with officials and concerned sevayats, it's decided to have the exercise on 18th September, as per the Govt approved SOP.' The SJTA had earlier requested the ASI to begin inspection and repair work of the Lord Jagannath treasury.

The temple authorities also urged the ASI to initiate scanning and geophysical investigation of the Ratna Bhandar before undertaking any repair and renovation work.

The inner chamber of Lord Jagannath's treasury was opened in July after a gap of 46 years, following which ornaments and valuable items were relocated to a temporary strong room inside the temple.

(With inputs from agencies.)