Treasure Scanning: ASI Inspects Shree Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a preliminary inspection of the Ratna Bhandar, the treasury of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. With a team of 17 technical members, they carried out laser scanning to aid in conservation and repair work, with further inspections planned.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Wednesday undertook a preliminary inspection of the Ratna Bhandar, the treasury of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. Officials reported that the team, comprising 17 technical experts, carried out a laser scan of the structure.

Temple authorities had requested the ASI to perform scanning and geophysical investigation of the Ratna Bhandar prior to its repair and renovation. The inspection took place from 2 pm to 5 pm, led by ASI's Additional Director General Janhwij Sharma, and included experts from CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute in Hyderabad.

Shree Jagannath Temple Administration chief administrator Arabinda Padhee stated that the first day's inspection concluded with detailed assessment using laser scanners. Subsequent ground-penetrating radar scans will follow, with the gathered data guiding the repair work upon review by the Odisha government. The inspection is supervised by ASI, adhering to state-mandated procedures. The work aims to ascertain any hidden chambers within the Ratna Bhandar, with completion expected by September.

(With inputs from agencies.)