Jagannath temple admin okays ASI inspection in Ratna Bhandar

The administration at Shree Jagannath Temple has decided to allow the ASI to examine the structural stability of the shrine's 'Ratna Bhandar' (storehouse for ornaments).

The authorities have, however, made it clear that the valuables stored in the repository will be out of bounds for the organization.

A five-member team of ASI officials yesterday inspected the status of the Ratna Bhandar from outside, in line with the instruction of the Orissa High Court, and said that the outer portion is in good condition.

The High Court is monitoring the repair work in response to a PIL seeking judicial intervention for repair and renovation of the temple.

Chief administrator P K Jena said the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials will only examine the status of the wall and roof of the 'Ratna Bhandar' to ensure its sustainability.

"No assessment of the ornaments kept inside the Ratna Bhandar will be allowed," he told reporters yesterday.

Jena, however, clarified that the administration will seek the opinion of 'Chhatisa Nijog' (an apex body of priests) and permission of the state government before letting the ASI officials inside the storehouse.

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has to be followed while entering the 'Ratna Bhandar' and a meeting of the Chhatisa Nijog will be called in this regard, he added.

A High Court bench comprising Chief Justice Vineet Saran and Justice BR Sarangi had on March 22 asked the ASI to report by March 29 whether the temple's 'Ratna Bhandar' requires any repair work.