Puri: Following the completion of the opening of both the outer and inner chambers of Puri Srimandir’s Ratna Bhandar and the transfer of all valuables to a temporary strong room, public curiosity about the potential existence of a secret chamber and tunnel within the Ratna Bhandar has surged. Speculation and mystery continue to surround these potential hidden features, with anticipation building for a comprehensive laser scanning and GPRS survey to determine their presence.

Local residents believe there may be a secret tunnel inside the inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar. Recently, Puri’s king and the primary servitor of Bhagwan Jagannath, Gajapati Maharaja Divya Singha Deb, suggested that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) could utilize modern technology to investigate these mysteries.

“The ASI will employ highly sophisticated instruments to conduct laser scanning, which will clarify whether there is a secret tunnel in the inner Ratna Bhandar,” stated Gajapati Maharaja Divya Singha Deb. The general expectation is that the mystery of a potential secret tunnel within the Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath temple will be resolved once the ASI carries out a thorough investigation using advanced laser scanning technology.

Simultaneously, Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief Arabinda Padhee mentioned that the standard operating procedure (SOP) would be updated, and permission from the government would be sought for the inspection. Experts indicated that technologies like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) could be instrumental in this investigation. "GPR works by sending a signal, and when the signal returns, it creates an image, allowing the technology to identify objects under the floor or in the walls," explained an expert from NIT, Rourkela.

Ancient War Weapons Found in Ratna Bhandar

During the transfer of valuables from the inner Ratna Bhandar to the temporary strong room on July 14, several age-old weapons, including swords, spears, and javelins used in battles, were discovered. "Several swords and javelins were found near a wooden chest in the inner chamber. These weapons were quite heavy and had turned black," reported one of the eleven committee members who accessed the treasury.

A temple servitor explained, “Shri Jagannath Temple has been a target for its wealth, having been invaded and plundered 18 times in the past. To protect and safeguard the temple, ancient weapons might have been stored in the Ratna Bhandar by the reigning kings.” As the investigation continues, all eyes are on the forthcoming laser scanning and GPR survey to unravel the secrets hidden within the hallowed chambers of the Ratna Bhandar.

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