No Hidden Tunnel In Ratnabhandar, Counting Of Jewels Set For New Year, Confirms Odisha Government

Dismissing rumours of a hidden tunnel in Puri temple Ratnabhandar, the Odisha government declared the long-awaited counting of the jewels will commence from New Year.

PURI/CUTTACK: Preparations for the counting of the Ratnabhandar’s jewels are set to begin in the New Year, while a final report on the vault’s structure will be submitted within a week. The state government on Friday confirmed this and clarified that no hidden tunnel lies within the Ratnabhandar (treasure vault) of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, countering long-standing rumours.

The latest GPR survey conducted in the temple premises showed no indication of secret chambers or concealed assets. Preliminary studies revealed minor cracks in the vault, although these do not pose any immediate threat to the temple’s structure, according to officials. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is expected to begin necessary repairs on the vault after the Kartik Purnima festivities conclude, as the month of Kartik draws large numbers of devotees to the temple.

State Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan confirmed that once the ASI completes the structural repairs, the detailed counting and assessment of jewels stored in the Ratnabhandar inventorisation will commence. This highly anticipated inventory, scheduled for early 2024, aims to document and ensure the safety of the temple’s valuable assets.

Only after the Kartik month ends, the work can begin as during this time of the year, devotees flock the temple in large numbers. The temple authorities are working closely with ASI officials to schedule and plan the repair and inventory work. The New Year’s jewel counting is expected to bring transparency and dispel myths surrounding the historic vault, the minister added.

SOPs Established for Counting Gems

Justice Bishwanath Rath, head of the committee overseeing this operation, shared that major work is set to commence soon with identification and documentation. "Experienced professionals will be appointed to examine the types of jewels present, especially the ancient ones. Strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been established for this process, ensuring confidentiality throughout," he informed speaking to ETV Bharat.

The state government also emphasised that necessary repairs will be prioritized alongside the jewel counting. Justice Rath stated that if repair work starts as scheduled in December, it is expected to conclude within a month, utilising advanced scientific methods to preserve the integrity of the structure. The work will begin after Kartik Poornima and will be conducted through a formal tendering process. During the months of December, January, and February, a high influx of tourists is expected at the temple, and measures will be taken to minimize disruptions for devotees.

Acknowledging the possibility of limited darshan timings of the Trinity due to daily repair sessions, Justice Rath assured that arrangements will be made to facilitate continued darshan during this period. He appealed to the public for patience and cooperation as the team works to complete these necessary tasks.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will lead the restoration efforts, which are anticipated to take at least a month. The Law Minister added that following the completion of repairs, the detailed jewel inventory would begin.

Read More