Modern Technology to be used to scan Ratna Bhandar of Sri Jagannath temple for hidden compartment

Puri: Modern technology will be used to scan the entire Ratna Bhandar of Sri Jagannath temple to find out if there is any hidden compartment inside the temple treasury.

Sri Jagannath temple managing committee in an emergency meeting held on Monday passed a standard operating procedure (SOP) for use of modern technology to scan the Ratna Bhandar of the 12th century shrine.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) before using these modern gadgets, will consult with the state government,temple Chief Administrator Arabinda Padh said.

The empty almirahs and treasure chest will be shifted from the Bhitar Ratna bhandar to facilitate the repair work of the Ratna Bhandar by the ASI.

The Temple Managing Committee body also passed the Sri Jagannath draft land management rules-2024 and sent it for the approval of the government, the chief administrator stated.

This apart since the state has amended the mining rules, all the minor mineral mines of lord Jagannath will be handed over to the state mining department for its management.

The mines of Lord Jagannath will go for public auction to augment temple revenue, he said.

The auction holders will be dealt with heavy hand if they excavate beyond their assigned area, Padhi said.

The Temple Managing Committee also entrusted the Temple chief administrator and the district magistrate to discuss with various concerned Nijogs of the temple to use the huge Arpan rice collected from the devotees across the state in an effective manner.

Temple sources said over 14000 quintal rice has been donated by the devotees during the Srimandir Parikrama inauguration. This huge quantity of rice has been stored in the Gundicha temple.

The meeting suggested to allocate a land for construction of permanent building for the Simhadwar police station and to increase staff.

It further suggested that 35 new air conditioned EV Mini buses provided by the OBCC to the temple will be handed over to the state transport department for its management.

The temple Managing Committee further suggested the state government agencies should conduct interviews and select candidates for appointment in various sanctioned posts lying vacant in the temple administration, Padhi said.