Second Round of Technical Survey Begins at Puri Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar

The Archaeological Survey of India commenced the second phase of technical survey for Puri's Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar. The survey, lasting from September 21-23, temporarily restricts devotees from 'darshan' and aims to find hidden chambers or tunnels. The SJTA has shifted valuables and requests survey completion by September 24.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Saturday afternoon initiated the second phase of a technical survey of the Ratna Bhandar at Puri's Jagannath Temple, officials confirmed.

Due to the three-day survey, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has restricted devotees from having a 'darshan' of the deities between 1 pm and 6 pm. Main gates will remain closed for devotees during this period.

Seeking cooperation from devotees, SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee emphasized the importance of this survey.

Heading the Ratna Bhandar Inventory Committee, Justice Biswanath Rath, who participated in the survey, explained, "The ASI aims to ascertain any hidden chambers or tunnels within the Ratna Bhandar using advanced radar technology from September 21-23."

The first survey round was conducted on September 18, led by ASI Additional Director General Jahnavij Sharma, including a 17-member technical team, and experts from CSIR and NGRI.

SJTA had urged ASI to complete the survey by September 24, ahead of special rituals for Dussehra and 'Kartika' month, starting September 24. They have also requested a prompt survey report.

Meanwhile, the SJTA relocated valuables and jewelry from Ratna Bhandar to a temporary strong room within the temple compound, strictly following government Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), an official stated.

(With inputs from agencies.)