SJTA Urges ASI to Begin Urgent Repairs on Ratna Bhandar at Puri Jagannath Temple | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: After receiving ground penetrating radar and GPS survey report of Ratna Bhandar of the Puri Jagannath Temple, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Saturday urged Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to immediately undertake repair, maintenance and conservation work of the treasury.
The 45-page technical report was prepared with the assistance of National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad. The report gives a detailed account of the present condition of the walls and floors of Ratna Bhandar. “In a letter to ASI we have requested it to start the repair and conservation work at the earliest,” said Arabinda Padhee, chief administrator of SJTA.
Padhee stated that the temple administration would extend full cooperation to ASI in this endeavour. “Based on the report, we have requested ASI to share the repair plan and discuss it with the temple management. We will consult with the Chhatisa Nijog regarding the plan for the repair of Ratna Bhandar. At the same time, we requested ASI that during the repair work there should be no disruption to rituals and darshan of the deities,” Padhee said.
The ASI had conducted a detailed survey using the latest technology and equipment, including laser scanning and ground penetrating radar survey in Sept and detected cracks within the treasury. However, no secret tunnels or chambers were found in Ratna Bhandar. The valuables of inner and outer chambers of Ratna Bhandar were shifted to a temporary strongroom in two phases in July.
“After the repair and conservation work of Ratna Bhandar is over, the inventory process will start in accordance with the temple’s established rules. Digitisation of the whole process will be done,” said Padhee.
The 45-page technical report was prepared with the assistance of National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad. The report gives a detailed account of the present condition of the walls and floors of Ratna Bhandar. “In a letter to ASI we have requested it to start the repair and conservation work at the earliest,” said Arabinda Padhee, chief administrator of SJTA.
Padhee stated that the temple administration would extend full cooperation to ASI in this endeavour. “Based on the report, we have requested ASI to share the repair plan and discuss it with the temple management. We will consult with the Chhatisa Nijog regarding the plan for the repair of Ratna Bhandar. At the same time, we requested ASI that during the repair work there should be no disruption to rituals and darshan of the deities,” Padhee said.
The ASI had conducted a detailed survey using the latest technology and equipment, including laser scanning and ground penetrating radar survey in Sept and detected cracks within the treasury. However, no secret tunnels or chambers were found in Ratna Bhandar. The valuables of inner and outer chambers of Ratna Bhandar were shifted to a temporary strongroom in two phases in July.
“After the repair and conservation work of Ratna Bhandar is over, the inventory process will start in accordance with the temple’s established rules. Digitisation of the whole process will be done,” said Padhee.
