Bhubaneswar: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) began the second round of technical surveys on September 21 afternoon at the Ratna Bhandar of Puri Srimandir to determine if there are any hidden chambers or tunnels within it.
According to sources, the ASI team included experts from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI). They will conduct a thorough ground-penetrating radar survey inside the Ratna Bhandar to determine whether there are any hidden chambers.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has temporarily restricted devotees’ access to the sibling deities from 1 pm to 6 pm for three days due to the ongoing survey of the Ratna Bhandar. SJTA chief administrator Dr Arabinda Padhee has sought cooperation from the devotees in this matter.
It may be noted that the first phase of the technical survey of the Ratna Bhandar at Puri’s Jagannath Temple took place on September 18. A team of experts led by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted the first phase of the inspection of Ratna Bhandar, during which a detailed assessment was performed using laser scanners. Under the supervision of ASI Additional Director General (ADG) Jahnavij Sharma, the technical inspection utilized high-tech gadgets and other scientific equipment to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of Ratna Bhandar.
Experts from the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad, carried out the laser scanning during the inspection, according to sources. Among those present during the inspection on Wednesday were Chief Administrator Padhee and the Chairman of the Ratna Bhandar Inventory Committee, Justice Biswanath Rath.
On September 18, Dr. Arabinda Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), requested the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to complete the technical survey of the Ratna Bhandar by September 24. This urgent request is due to the upcoming special rituals for Dussehra and the ‘Kartika’ month, with Durga Puja ceremonies starting at the temple on the same day.
To ensure a smooth and timely process, Dr. Padhee also asked the ASI to submit their survey report within the stipulated timeframe.
