The vault of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, has been opened. The decision to halt the entry of devotees from 8 AM was taken in light of the process to transfer priceless items to a temporary stronghold.
The responsibility of preserving the temple lies with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It is now imperative for ASI to undertake conservation work within the inner chamber of the temple, necessitating the relocation of the valuables. After 46 years, the vault has been unsealed for refurbishment. According to sources, 12 chests filled with diamonds, jewels, and gold were discovered, along with one cabinet. An inventory of these items is pending and is expected to be taken post-restoration.
Source: aajtak
Access Strictly Prohibited
The treasury of the temple consists of an outer and an inner chamber. Today, the inner chamber has been opened. According to chief of the Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Arbind Padhi, entry has been restricted after 8 AM. Now, only authorized individuals and servants are permitted entrance. Currently, only the 'Singh Dwar' of the temple is open, but devotees can still have a glimpse of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra, as all three deities are presently placed outside the temple on their respective chariots.
The Complete Preservation Process
The administration of the Puri Jagannath Temple falls under the jurisdiction of the state government's Law Department. For years, devotees have been donating valuable items to the temple, which are stored in the inner chamber of the treasury. These items are subsequently transferred to a temporary stronghold within the temple premises.
Source: aajtak
Documentation through Videography
The temple administration states that ASI has been granted permission to proceed with conservation work only after the shifting of all articles from the inner treasury. The inventory process will commence post-restoration. The ASI experts are allotted time to assess the structural integrity and the entire process will be documented through videography.
Standard Operating Procedures Adhered To
The event of unlocking the vault was carried out in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) set by the state government. As per Justice Biswanath Rath, chairman of the supervisory committee, committee members have entered the treasury and will remain in the inner chamber until 12:15 PM.
