Odisha Law Minister Awaits GPR Survey Results for Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar
Banpur, Odisha: The Law Minister of Odisha, Prithiviraj Harichandan, announced that the results of the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey on the Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath Temple are expected soon. The survey covered both the outer and inner sections of the treasure trove. Once the report is received, a detailed discussion will follow to decide on further actions.
Minister Harichandan stated, “We have conducted a GPR survey of the outer and inner Ratna Bhandar of Puri’s Sri Jagannath Temple. The report is supposed to arrive within a day or two. Once we receive the report, we will engage in detailed discussions and further analysis. If there is anything significant, the government will take appropriate action; if the report yields no findings, we will commence repair work with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as soon as possible. We are also trying to get the boxes and everything transferred in the Ratna Bhandar.”
Additionally, the minister mentioned that the government will provide a small quantity of mahaprasad to visitors. “We will be providing mahaprasad to visitors with the understanding that when someone comes to have darshan of Lord Jagannath and returns home, their family and neighbors eagerly await something blessed from Lord Jagannath. Naturally, not everyone can afford to bring items from there. Therefore, on behalf of the temple administration, we will provide at least a katori full of mahaprasad so that the visitor can share a little with everyone,” he explained.
The Ratna Bhandar was reopened on July 14 after more than four decades, with special boxes brought in for storing ornaments. The opening followed the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Odisha government. An inspection committee, led by Justice Biswanath Rath, oversaw the process. Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra confirmed that security arrangements were in place according to the SOPs.
Doubts Revealed
Odisha -: Odisha is a state located on the eastern coast of India. It is known for its rich culture, history, and famous temples like the Jagannath Temple.
Law Minister -: A Law Minister is a government official responsible for legal affairs and the justice system in a state or country. In this context, Prithiviraj Harichandan is the Law Minister of Odisha.
Prithiviraj Harichandan -: Prithiviraj Harichandan is a politician serving as the Law Minister of Odisha, a state in India.
GPR Survey -: GPR stands for Ground Penetrating Radar. It is a technology used to look beneath the ground’s surface to find objects or structures without digging.
Jagannath Temple -: The Jagannath Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Puri, Odisha. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna.
Ratna Bhandar -: Ratna Bhandar is a treasure chamber within the Jagannath Temple that is believed to hold valuable items and jewels.
Mahaprasad -: Mahaprasad is a sacred food offering made to the deities in Hindu temples, which is later distributed to devotees as a blessing.
SOPs -: SOPs stand for Standard Operating Procedures. These are detailed, written instructions to achieve uniformity in performing a specific function, like security arrangements in this context.
