ASI to resume survey of Puri Jagannath Temple Ratna Bhandar tomorrow: Know details

Puri Sept 20: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will conduct survey of the Ratna Bhandar in Puri Jagannath Temple for three days begining from Saturday, a senior official said.

"The ASI will undertake technical survey of the Ratna Bhandar in Puri Jagannath Temple for three days on September 21, 22 and 23. The technical team will conduct the survey from 2 pm to 6 pm following which public darshan of the trinity will remain closed from 1 pm till completion of the work on these days," Chief Administrator of Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Dr Arabinda Padhee.

The ASI on Wednesday conducted a technical survey of the Ratna Bhandar in Puri Shri Jagannath Temple to ascertain the existence of any tunnels or cellars, concealed inside the ancient and royal treasure trove.

A team of 26 experts from the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad, executed laser scanning and physical   verifications in search of underground tunnel. 

Under the supervision of ASI Additional Director General (ADG) Jahnavij Sharma the technical inspection work was undertaken using high-tech gadgets and other scientific equipment to conduct a detail assessment of the outer and inner Ratna Bhanbdar.

During the inspection, laser scanning of the wall and the floors were undertaken while some scientists examined the upper portions and roof of both inner and outer Ratna Bhandar.

Among others, Chief Administrator of SJTA Dr Arabinda Padhee, Chairman of Ratna Bhandar Inventory Committee Justice Biswanath Rath were present.

Following the technical assessment conducted today ASI ADG (Conservation) Sharma on the speculation of ancient tunnel in the Ratna Bhandar said that no such tunnel in the ancient treasure trove was found so far. It’s why a Ground Penetrating Radar survey will be conducted soon. 

The modern technique with cutting-edge devices will be applied by a team of the NGRI to work out on the secret chamber theory, Sharma added.