Bhubaneswar: Repair work on the Ratna Bhandar, the treasury of Jagannath Temple in Puri, will begin soon by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). After the repair work is done, the inventory of valuables in the Ratna Bhandar will be completed by January 2025, state law minister Prithviraj Harichandan said here on Monday.
“ASI completed the necessary survey of the Ratna Bhandar required for starting the repair work and we expect it to start the repair work soon. Once the repair work is complete, the valuables will be brought back into the treasury from the strongrooms, and the inventory will begin in accordance with the temple’s established rules. It is expected to be completed by January-end,” Harichandan added. As per tradition, the inventory process of Lord Jagannath’s valuables cannot be taken outside the Ratna Bhandar.
The Ratna Bhandar is a highly secured chamber that houses the temple’s precious jewels and ornaments. The chamber has been a subject of mystery and speculation for many years, with rumours suggesting the presence of hidden treasures and secret passages. The ASI conducted a detailed survey using the latest technology and equipment, including laser scanning and ground-penetrating radar survey in September, and detected cracks within the temple’s treasury. However, no secret tunnels or chambers were found in Ratna Bhandar as per the survey conducted in September. The valuables of the inner and outer Ratna Bhandar were shifted to a temporary strongroom in two phases in July.
When asked about the repair of Meghanada Pacheri, the grand boundary wall of the temple, the minister said a review meeting is scheduled to be held on Wednesday where the matter will be discussed.