Puri: All other gates apart from Singhadwara will be closed while opening Ratna Bhandar, said SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee.
Padhee informed that during the committee’s access to the Ratna Bhandar, temporary entry restrictions to the temple will be enforced. Only the Singhadwara gate will remain open, while all other gates will be closed. Authorized persons and servitors will be allowed entry according to a predetermined list. All committee members will undergo security checks, and the entire procedure will be videographed as per the standard operating procedure.
Justice Biswanath Rath, Chairman of the committee, stated that members of the managing committee, two members of the high-level committee, an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) representative, Puri district Collector, and specific servitors such as Bhandar Mekap and Tadau Karan will enter the Ratna Bhandar. A medical team and members of a snake helpline will be on standby outside the chamber, ready to assist if needed.
Rath said, “We have surrendered before the Lord to give us strength to undertake the work. At the high-level Committee meeting, we will select members and the process will start to enter the temple after 1 pm. Today, Ratna Bhandar will be opened.