The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has confirmed through a recent Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey that no hidden chambers or shelves exist within the walls or beneath the floor of the Ratna Bhandar (treasury) in the Puri Jagannath Mandir.
The ASI announced the findings on its official social media handle X, citing the report of the GPR survey conducted in September 2024, which confirmed that no hidden spaces exist.
The #Ratnabhandara, built in the late medieval period is a modest structure of the Kalinga Pidha style architecture and is attached to the northern entrance of the Jagamohana of the Shri #JagannathTemple, #Puri, #Odisha. Constructed from Khondalite stone, it was intended to house… pic.twitter.com/Dv5cA1XWfT
— Archaeological Survey of India (@ASIGoI) July 29, 2025
Core Conservation Work Begins Post-Survey
The Ratna Bhandar, constructed during the late medieval period, is a modest structure reflecting the traditional Kalinga Pidha style of Mandir architecture. Located next to the northern entrance of the Jagamohana (assembly hall) of the Shri Jagannath Mandir, it was built from Khondalite stone to house the sacred valuables (Ratna) of Bhagwan Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Sudarshana.
In March 2023, the ASI formed a Technical Core Conservation Committee to oversee the restoration of the main Mandir and the Ratnabhandara, ensuring that all activities adhered to the site’s sacred and ritualistic traditions.
The Ratnabhandara consists of two sections:
- Bhitara Bhandara (Inner chamber)
- Bahara Bhandara (Outer chamber)
These sections are separated by a securely locked iron grill gate.
Following the GPR survey’s clearance, conservation work began on December 17, 2024, starting with scaffolding setup in both chambers. The project is divided into two phases:
- Phase 1: December 17, 2024 – April 28, 2025
- Phase 2: June 28 – July 7, 2025
Structural Repair and Restoration Efforts
De-plastering operations were conducted on the inner ceilings, corbels, niches, walls, and the outer Pidha façade to assess the condition of the stonework. This revealed several damaged sections and loose joints, which were subsequently sealed. Comprehensive chemical cleaning was performed on both the interior and exterior surfaces.
To facilitate stonework in the confined inner chamber, a hollow M.S. platform was installed. Damaged stone elements were replaced with newly crafted Khondalite blocks that replicated the original profiles. Each corbel stone was carefully inspected and replaced as necessary.
Severely rusted wrought iron beams in the niches were removed and replaced with custom-designed stainless steel (S.S.) box beams for enhanced durability. Additionally, polymer-modified cement (PMC) grouting was applied at key points—such as wall junctions, niches, exterior Pidha levels, and where the Ratnabhandara meets the Jagamohana.
Final conservation efforts included joint sealing, replacing deteriorated stones on the roof (muda), exterior walls, and Pidha levels. The flooring was redone using granite stone over a cushioned sandstone base to provide structural support and ensure proper drainage for efficient water runoff and unimpeded door movement.
The iron grill gate separating the two chambers was also chemically cleaned and repainted with a protective golden preservative coating.
