Bhubaneswar, (Orissa Today), Sept 20: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to conduct a survey of the Ratna Bhandar (sacred treasury) at Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, over three days starting Saturday, September 21.
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee announced that the survey will take place from 1 PM to 5 PM on September 21, 22, and 23, during which darshan of the deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra—will be closed to devotees.
Sources indicate that while ASI officials conduct the technical survey from 2 PM to 5 PM, darshan is expected to remain suspended until 6 PM.
Padhee has requested the ASI Director General to complete the technical survey by September 24, in preparation for the special rituals during Dussehra’s ‘Shola Puja’ and the holy month of Kartika. He also urged the ASI to submit the survey report within the designated timeframe.
Earlier this week, an expert team from ASI conducted the first phase of the inspection, utilizing laser scanning technology for a comprehensive assessment of the Ratna Bhandar. The technical inspection was carried out under the supervision of ASI Additional Director General Jahnavij Sharma, employing high-tech gadgets and scientific equipment for detailed evaluation.
ASI to conduct three-day survey of Ratna Bhandar at Puri’s Jagannath Temple
