Bhubaneswar,Sept 18: A team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Wednesday initiated a preliminary inspection of the Ratna Bhandar at Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. This inspection is being carried out in collaboration with experts from the Hyderabad-based CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI), under the supervision of the Additional Director General of ASI.
The ASI’s technical team is performing a non-invasive assessment of the treasury to evaluate any structural damage. Concurrently, CSIR-NGRI specialists are inspecting the chambers to determine the necessary geo-physical equipment, lighting, and other elements required for a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey.
The inspection follows a standard operating procedure (SOP) approved by the state government and employs advanced technology to aid the process. The team will also investigate potential voids or underground spaces within the Ratna Bhandar, amid ongoing speculation about the existence of secret tunnels.
The findings from this inspection will guide necessary repairs to the Ratna Bhandar. The temple administration requested the ASI’s expertise for conservation and repair work using modern techniques. As a result, public darshan at the 12th-century shrine has been restricted on Wednesday to accommodate the inspection.