Puri: The Jagannath Temple Managing Committee has given its approval for reopening of the Ratna Bhandar during next Rath Jatra 2024 for structural inspection.
In its crucial meeting held today, the Temple Managing Committee has decided to recommend the State Government to take steps for reopening of the inner chambers of Ratna Bhandar during next Rath Jatra.
The ASI has written twice to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) for inspection of the Ratna Bhandar and sought support for this purpose.
All the members of the Temple Managing Committee have been intimated about the request made by the ASI, said Puri Collector Samarth Verma on Friday.
As the inspection would hamper smooth darshan of devotees during normal time, it was decided to allow the ASI to conduct the inspection during Rath Jatra so that the rituals will not be affected, he said.
“The Managing Committee will give a recommendation to the State Government that it is agreed to inspect the Ratna Bhandar during next Rath Jatra,” Shri Verma said.
The Collector further informed that the Managing Committee has also given the opinion that a technical team comprises representatives from the ASI, Managing Committee, Sevayats, temple administration engineers. The team will conduct an outer survey adopting laser scanning and other modern methodology and submit its report in the next meeting of the Managing Committee, he added.
The Temple Managing Committee has also decided to recommend the Government to appoint a retired judge of the Supreme Court or Orissa High Court to chair a panel which will supervise the Ratna Bhandar reopening and its inspection.
However, the Committee has not taken any decision for reopening of the other two Gates of the Jagannath Temple.
Meanwhile, the Temple Administration has decided to conduct the Banaklagi ritual on Wednesdays. If the rituals would not be conducted on any Wednesday for some rituals or other works, it should be performed on Thursday.
