The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will likely start the repair works of ‘Ratna Bhandar’ of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, starting December 16.
ASI Superintendent D B Garnaik Sunday stated that they had sought consent from the Srimandir’s Niti sub-committee to carry out the proposed repairs.
It is pertinent to mention here that the National Geophysical Research Institute in Hyderabad conducted a GPR survey of Ratna Bhandar for two days on September 21 and 22. This organization was given the responsibility of the GPR survey by the ASI. Two months later, in November, the survey report was received by the temple administration. This report clarified that there are no secret tunnels or hidden chambers in the Ratna Bhandar. After this, the way was paved for the renovation of the Ratna Bhandar.
On the other hand, an important meeting of Chhatisa Niyog will be held on 10th Dec. Various important aspects will be discussed in the meeting to be held under the chairmanship of Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Chief Administrator of SJTA. The meeting will discuss the Pahili Bhog Niti timings of the Holy Trinity starting from the 16th Dec and the Debabhishek Purnima Niti timings on January 13 of next year. Along with this, the meeting will also discuss the Makar Sankranti Niti timings on January 14 next year.
ASI Superintendent D.B. Gadanaik informed that the ASI needs a minimum of 5 to 6 hours every day to repair the Ratna Bhandar. First, the inner chamber of Ratna Bhandar will be repaired followed by the outer chamber.
Similarly, after getting the scheduled time, it has been decided to start repair work on the 16th Dec. Permission has been received from the temple administration for the renovation of the Ratna Bhandar. But no consent has come from the Niti subcommittee. The policy subcommittee is scheduled to meet Monday or Tuesday and after consent, the work will start, he added.
