BHUBANESWAR: The mystery surrounding secret tunnels or chambers in the Ratna Bhandar of Puri’s 12th-century Jagannath Temple has been resolved. Odisha’s Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Friday confirmed that no hidden tunnels or chambers exist within the temple complex.
His statement follows reports that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is conducting laser scanning to investigate long-standing rumours. For years, speculation suggested that the temple might contain concealed chambers filled with precious jewels. While the minister’s remarks have dispelled these theories, he noted that a comprehensive survey report will be released soon to provide a final and detailed assessment.
Minister Harichandan addressed the ongoing ASI investigation of the Ratna Bhandar at Puri’s Jagannath Temple. He mentioned that although the ASI’s final survey report is still pending, initial findings indicate there are no secret tunnels or chambers. However, the laser scanning survey revealed cracks inside the Ratna Bhandar. “We will find a permanent solution to these structural issues,” Harichandan assured.
The minister also announced that the ASI would soon begin repair work on both the outer and inner chambers of the Ratna Bhandar. He stated that the counting of the temple’s valuables, a significant and anticipated task, will commence in January, following the completion of these repairs. Due to the current influx of devotees visiting the temple during the holy month of Kartik, the repair efforts will be postponed and are expected to take approximately 1.5 months to complete.
Harichandan emphasised that the counting of the Ratna Bhandar’s treasures will be conducted within the chamber itself, taking into account the safety of the valuables and the deep religious sentiments of millions of Jagannath devotees. This careful approach aims to honour the sanctity of the temple and ensure transparency in the process.
“The inventorisation of the ornaments of Ratna Bhandar will begin in January. The list prepared earlier will be compiled with a fresh list,” said the Law Minister.
It is worth noting that the State government has constituted a committee to oversee the Ratna Bhandar repair work and the weighing and listing of ornaments. The process, which started during the Rath Yatra, is still ongoing.
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, utilising 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, conducted by a team of experts from the ASI, who performed a detailed assessment using laser scanners.
Earlier, the temple administration moved all valuables and jewellery from the outer and inner chambers of the Ratna Bhandar and stored them in a temporary strong room within the temple premises.
