Bhubaneswar, July 18: The shifting of valuables and ornaments from the inner Ratna Bhandar of the Shri Jagannath Temple to a temporary Ratna Bhandar was successfully completed today, said Justice Biswanath Rath.
This process, overseen by an 11-member inspection committee led by Justice Biswanath Rath, took about 7 I/2 hours.
The committee followed the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Odisha government to ensure the safe transfer of the items.
Referrng to media reports,Justice Rath clarified that there is no such tunnel in the Ratna Bhandar. He also requested not to believe in rumours.
The King of Puri, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, also visited the temple today to inspect both the outer and inner Ratna Bhandar
The outer Ratna Bhandar’s ornaments had been shifted earlier, and now all valuables are securely stored in the temporary location.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will begin repairs on both the outer and inner Ratna Bhandars with the necessary permissions from the Odisha government.
The Ratna Bhandar, which holds precious ornaments and jewels offered to the deities over centuries, was reopened on July 14 after being closed for over four decades.
Special boxes were brought in for the storage of these valuable items.