No Secret Chamber in Puri Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar: Odisha Law Minister Harichandan

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Friday said preliminary findings from ground penetrating rar (GPR) survey by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) suggest re are no secret tunnels or chambers in Ratna Bhandar of Puri's Jagannath temple.

minister, however, said confirmation will come with final report.

Harichandan said while no secret passages were found, survey identified cracks within temple's treasury.

Shree Jagannath Temple ministration h requested GPR survey amidst speculation about hidden chambers containing valuables and jewellery in shrine's treasury.

minister said inventory of Lord Jagannath’s jewellery and valuables would be me after ASI completes repairs of Ratna Bhandar.

"It is not feasible to carry out any repairs now since temple is witnessing a heavy rush of devotees as it is holy month of Kartika," he said.

repairs are expected to take over a month, with ASI scheduled to dress cracks after Kartika Purnima, he said. "Once repairs are completed, valuables will be brought back to treasury for inventory," he ded. 

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