Bhubaneswar: The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey report, conducted to assess the condition of both the Outer ‘Bahar’ and inner ‘Bhitar’ Ratna Bhandar of the Sri Jagannath Temple and to investigate the potential existence of hidden chambers or tunnels, is anticipated to be released within the next two to four days.
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced on Sunday that the survey, carried out by a team of experts from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), will soon reveal its findings.
The expert team, in the presence of the nine-member Ratna Bhandar committee chaired by Justice Biswanath Rath, utilized advanced equipment to scan the walls of the ‘Bahar’ and ‘Bhitar’ Ratna Bhandars of the 12th-century Sri Jagannath Temple.
Speaking to the media, Odisha Law Minister Harichandan stated, “The report of the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey has not yet been received. It is expected to arrive within the next two to four days. The state government will determine the next steps based on the report’s findings.”
He further noted, “If the report indicates the presence of gold, silver ornaments, or any hidden tunnels, the Odisha government will take appropriate action. Conversely, if nothing significant is discovered, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will proceed with necessary tasks based on the report.”
“The counting of the ornaments will only occur once the treasure boxes are returned to the Ratna Bhandar following the completion of repair work,” the minister added.
It is important to mention that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been responsible for the repairs and conservation of the 12th-century Sri Jagannath Temple since 1974, as directed by the state government.
In the final phase, all treasures will be returned to the Ratna Bhandar, where a new inventory will be prepared and compared with the previous inventory from 1978.
Notably, the second phase of the technical survey at Puri Srimandir’s Ratna Bhandar was completed ahead of schedule on September 22. This phase was conducted by the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) under the leadership of scientist Anand Kumar Pandey, utilizing the latest technologies. Prior to this, 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, performing a detailed assessment with laser scanners.
Earlier, the temple administration moved all valuables and jewelry from the outer and inner chambers of the Ratna Bhandar and stored them in a temporary strong room within the temple premises.
