The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) plans to conduct a technical examination of the Ratna Bhandar at Puri Jagannath Temple from September 21 to 23, using laser scanning equipment. To assist the survey, public darshan of the Holy Trinity would be restricted from 2 to 6 p.m. on these three days, according to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
The survey, which will be conducted by a 17-member team directed by ASI’s Additional Director General (Conservation and World Heritage), Janhwij Sharma, will use laser scanning equipment.
During the three-day survey, the temple’s general darshan (viewing) will be closed during the scheduled hours.
Meanwhile, the SJTA chief administrator wrote to the ASI director requesting that the survey be completed by September 24, ahead of the Dussehra and Kartik month festivities.
This development comes after the ASI team recently inspected the Ratna Bhandar and performed a thorough assessment and laser scanning.