Bhubaneswar: The Garbhagruha (sanctum sanctorum) and Ratna Bhandar (treasury) of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri will be repaired every year during Ratha Jatra, informed Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan today.

Ahead of finalising the schedule for an inventory of valuables stored in Ratna Bhandar, the Minister stated that repair work of treasury and sanctum sanctorum will be carried out during Ratha Jatra every year. The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) will prepare a blueprint for repair work.

On the opening of Ratna Bhandar, Harichandan said that the government is in a firm decision to open it and make inventory by this month. The lock of Ratna Bhandar will be broken if it is not opened with existing keys.

"The lock will be broken in the presence of the district magistrate if the door of Ratna Bhandar is not opened with keys. The servitors, who are in charge of Ratna Bhandar, will be invited during opening of the treasury," the Minister said adding that the opening date will be finalised by the managing committee of Srimandir.

"We will open on the date to be decided by the managing committee. The government will take a call after reviewing the Standard Operating Procedure on opening of Ratna Bhandar. Attention will be given to ensure that no interruption takes place during opening of Ratna Bhandar. There will be digital documentation of all valuables stored inside the Ratna Bhadar.

Notably, a newly constituted panel chaired by Justice Biswanath Rath is all set to fix a date at a meeting scheduled today for opening of Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath Temple.

The panel has decided to break the lock of door if it is not opened with existing keys available with the temple administration.