Puri Jagannath Temple, one of the most revered places of worship in India, has been full of mystery and captivating stories for a long time. Among the many stories circulated about the temple is the one about a mysterious secret hidden chamber in its treasure chamber, called the Ratna Bhandar. Recently, a team of experts from the Archaeological Survey of India ( ASI ) and the National Geographical Research Institute (NGRI) executed an in-depth survey of the chamber, ending the rumors about whether such a chamber exists.
The mystery of the hidden chamber
The story of a secret room inside the Ratna Bhandar has been around for centuries. Local legends say that the kings of Puri built this hidden chamber to protect Lord Jagannath’s treasures from invaders. While there’s no proof to back up this tale, the mystery has continued, especially because the inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar was sealed off for more than 40 years, sparking rumors about what could be hidden inside.
The need for a survey
The interest in the hidden chamber strengthened when the government of Odisha reopened the Ratna Bhandar in July 2023, after 46 years. Afterward, many people, including temple workers and royal family members, emphasized a full check of the treasury to see if there actually was a hidden chamber. The temple's committee also agreed to the idea, suggesting using tools like laser scanning to find the truth. Originally, The state government didn’t plan to conduct the survey, but the temple management decided to go ahead and ask for permission to do it.
How the survey was conducted
In September 2023, a team of 17 specialists from the ASI, led by Additional Director General Janhwij Sharma, initiated the survey of the Ratna Bhandar. They used advanced tools and cutting-edge technology like laser scanning to make a 3D map of the chamber and look for any hidden spaces in the walls, floor, or ceiling.
Later, they used a method called Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to scan the floor and check for any tunnels or hidden rooms below. The GPR sends radar waves up to 10 meters underground, giving a clear picture of what’s beneath the surface.
Findings of the survey
While the final report isn’t ready yet, so far, there’s no sign of a hidden chamber in the treasury. The survey did find some cracks in the walls and floors, and the ASI will fix these to preserve and protect the temple.
Other myths: The snake protectors
Another strange yet interesting story about the Ratna Bhandar is that a group of snakes guards the treasures inside. Some people said they heard hissing sounds from the chamber, sparking rumors that snakes were protecting Lord Jagannath’s jewels.
To investigate and solve this mystery as well, a team of snake experts was sent to the temple when the treasury was opened in July. After thoroughly inspecting the area, they reported that there were no snakes or any other animals inside the chamber.
The mystery of the hidden chamber
The story of a secret room inside the Ratna Bhandar has been around for centuries. Local legends say that the kings of Puri built this hidden chamber to protect Lord Jagannath’s treasures from invaders. While there’s no proof to back up this tale, the mystery has continued, especially because the inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar was sealed off for more than 40 years, sparking rumors about what could be hidden inside.
The need for a survey
The interest in the hidden chamber strengthened when the government of Odisha reopened the Ratna Bhandar in July 2023, after 46 years. Afterward, many people, including temple workers and royal family members, emphasized a full check of the treasury to see if there actually was a hidden chamber. The temple's committee also agreed to the idea, suggesting using tools like laser scanning to find the truth. Originally, The state government didn’t plan to conduct the survey, but the temple management decided to go ahead and ask for permission to do it.
How the survey was conducted
In September 2023, a team of 17 specialists from the ASI, led by Additional Director General Janhwij Sharma, initiated the survey of the Ratna Bhandar. They used advanced tools and cutting-edge technology like laser scanning to make a 3D map of the chamber and look for any hidden spaces in the walls, floor, or ceiling.
Later, they used a method called Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to scan the floor and check for any tunnels or hidden rooms below. The GPR sends radar waves up to 10 meters underground, giving a clear picture of what’s beneath the surface.
Findings of the survey
While the final report isn’t ready yet, so far, there’s no sign of a hidden chamber in the treasury. The survey did find some cracks in the walls and floors, and the ASI will fix these to preserve and protect the temple.
Other myths: The snake protectors
Another strange yet interesting story about the Ratna Bhandar is that a group of snakes guards the treasures inside. Some people said they heard hissing sounds from the chamber, sparking rumors that snakes were protecting Lord Jagannath’s jewels.
To investigate and solve this mystery as well, a team of snake experts was sent to the temple when the treasury was opened in July. After thoroughly inspecting the area, they reported that there were no snakes or any other animals inside the chamber.
You may also like
Travel tips: Where to take children on Children's Day? Plan a trip to these places in the budget
"Prayed for prosperity of our country": Arvind Kejriwal visits Tirupati Balaji
Travel tips: When and where is the Kumbh Mela being organized, know all the details before joining
Delhi Airport issues advisory for passengers amid city's rising air pollution
Attack on Chennai doctor: Strict law needed to stop such violence, says IMA Goa
