NEW DELHI: Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced on Friday that preliminary findings from the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey indicate no secret tunnels or chambers in Puri's Jagannath temple Ratna Bhandar. The final report is awaited for confirmation.
The GPR survey, however, detected cracks within the temple's treasury. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration had requested this survey amid speculation of hidden chambers with valuables and jewelry.
Minister Harichandan stated that a detailed inventory of Lord Jagannath's jewelry and valuables would be conducted after ASI repairs the Ratna Bhandar. "It is not feasible to carry out any repairs now since the temple is witnessing a heavy rush of devotees as it is the holy month of Kartika," he said.
Repair work is expected to take over a month, starting after Kartika Purnima. "Once repairs are completed, the valuables will be brought back to the treasury for inventory," Harichandan added.