Puri, Aug 4 (FN Representative) Sri Jagannath temple bhitar Ratna Bhandar (inner treasury) will be opened during the 2024 annual rath yatra for inspection by Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) to assess the structural stability of the treasury. The ASI will assess the structural stability of the treasury when the presiding deities of the deities will be away in Gundicha temple during the car festival. If required the ASI will carry out the necessary repairs of the inner treasury, Sri Jagannath temple Administration (SJTA) deputy chief administrator and district collector Samarth Verma told newsmen soon after the managing Committee meeting of the temple held here on Friday.
He said the matter was discussed in the managing committee following a letter sent by the ASI in this regard. Earlier in April 2018 a similar attempt was made to open the inner treasury of the temple but the inspection team had to return as the key to the Bhitar ratna bhandar was found missing. The matter then evoked sharp reaction from various quarters compelling the government to appoint a commission of inquiry by a high court Justice. The Managing Committee meeting resolved that the inspection will be conducted under the supervision of a retired supreme court or high court Justice. A resolution in this regard will be sent to the state government for approval ,Verma said.
In the meanwhile a technical team comprising the engineers of ASI, Jagannath temple and some MC members will examine the exterior of Bhittar Ratna Bhandar using modern gadgets like laser imaging and other technology to assess the condition of the structure and file their report before the next MC meeting he added. This apart the meeting discussed over the demand to open all gates of the temple for devotees. But the Managing Committee decided to continue the present system as it will be impracticable as the Srimandir Parikrama work is in progress and there is little space to conduct a queue system on the three other gates which were closed for the devotees. All the gates will be opened after completion of the Parikrama project,the District Collector said.