Laser scanning of Srimandir’s Ratna Bhandar reveals multiple cracks

Puri: The laser scanning of the Shree Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has revealed cracks at multiple places.

The ASI has prepared a report on structural assessment of Ratna Bhandar. The condition mapping of Ratna Bhandar’s outer walls on northern side was conducted with laser scanning from November 28 to 29, 2023.

The following structural problems of the Ratna Bhandar have been mentioned in the report for carrying out conservation works.

1. The weathered and weak lime plaster of the slopped surface shows visible cracks at many locations which needs de-plastering and appropriate consolidation. These might have caused seepages with into the inner chamber.
2. The junction area of Ratna Bhandar and Jagamohan Bada just below the 1st pidha needs strengthening and proper water-tightening.
3. After de-plastering the outer three side walls if any major damage found, it will be taken care by appropriate conservation mechanism.

In a letter to the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the ASI has mentioned that it is essential to discuss the matter with members of the SJTA to take further course of action at the earliest.