asi-to-inspect-lord-jagannath-s-treasury-in-puri-on-sep-18

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to inspect the Ratna Bhandar, the treasury of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, on September 18.

The inspection, led by the additional Director General of Conservation and experts from the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute, will involve a detailed examination of both the inner and outer chambers of the treasury.

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) confirmed the date, with SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee announcing the plan on X. He stated that the inspection would proceed in line with government-approved standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Previously, the SJTA had urged the ASI to commence both scanning and geophysical investigations of the Ratna Bhandar ahead of planned repairs and renovations.

This follows the recent opening of the inner chamber for the first time in 46 years in July, during which valuable items were temporarily relocated to a strong room within the temple.