Secret Tunnel Rumors Swirl Around Jagannath Temple Ratna Bhandar, ASI to Deploy Laser Scanning

The famed 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is at the center of renewed speculation regarding a secret tunnel hidden within its Ratna Bhandar (treasury). The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is reportedly gearing up to investigate these rumors using advanced laser scanning technology.

Secret Tunnel Rumors Swirl Around Jagannath Temple Ratna Bhandar, ASI to Deploy Laser Scanning

This development comes after the shifting of valuables from the Ratna Bhandar to a temporary strongroom for preservation work. The decision to involve the ASI follows longstanding local legends about a hidden passage and chamber within the Ratna Bhandar, believed to house untold riches.

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Dibyasingha Deb, the chairman of the temple's managing committee and the erstwhile royal of Puri, is quoted as saying, "The ASI will use highly sophisticated instruments to carry out laser scanning to clear the air about whether there's a secret tunnel in the inner Ratna Bhandar." [Indian Express]

However, the temple administration doesn't necessarily endorse these theories. Justice Biswanath Rath, chairman of the supervisory panel, has expressed skepticism, stating a lack of any documentary evidence to support the existence of a secret passage. He added that a thorough inspection revealed no indication of a hidden tunnel within the inner chamber walls. [Indian Express]

“We never believed in such theories as it’s not based on any documentary evidence. We have shifted all ornaments and valuables and also inspected the walls of the inner chamber and we found no probability about the existence of a secret tunnel,” Rath told reporters, adding, however, that the panel would “act as per the direction of the state government”.

Despite the differing viewpoints, both the inner and outer chambers of the Ratna Bhandar will be handed over to the ASI for a detailed investigation after a thorough check-up. This move comes after the temple administration decided to undertake repairs alongside the investigation.

How Long Has The Mystery Of The Secret Tunnel Been Known

The mystery of a potential secret tunnel inside the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha has been known for some time. In December 2023, a tunnel estimated to be 20 to 30 meters long was discovered at the temple, visible from Shrikshetra Panch Teerth to Indradyumna Temple after the water of Pushkarini pond dried up during revival work. This is not the first time a tunnel has been found in Puri, as another was previously discovered in Ganga Mata Math, a monastery in the city.

The recent opening of the Ratna Bhandar's inner chamber on July 18, 2024 to move valuables to a temporary strongroom has reignited speculation about the existence of a secret tunnel and chamber containing precious jewellery. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) plans to conduct a laser scan of the Ratna Bhandar to investigate these claims and assess the structural integrity of the vault.

While there is no documentary evidence of a secret tunnel inside the inner chamber, some servitors have claimed that one exists[3]. The ASI's scanning aims to clarify these mysteries and provide more information about the tunnel's origins and purpose, which have sparked discussions in the city for several months.

What Specific Technology will the ASI use for the laser scanning

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will utilize advanced 3D laser scanning technology to investigate the Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath Temple. This technology captures up to 1 million measurements per second, creating a detailed point cloud that provides precise documentation of the structure's condition. 

The scanning aims to detect any hidden passages or structural issues, aiding in the preservation and maintenance of the temple's treasury. This method has proven effective in previous heritage conservation projects, allowing for accurate assessments of monuments and planning for necessary restorations.

Conclusion 

The findings of the laser scan are highly anticipated. If a secret passage is discovered, it could rewrite the history of the Jagannath Temple and potentially unearth hidden treasures. However, if the scan reveals nothing, it could put an end to years of speculation.

Following the ASI's investigation and repairs, the Ratna Bhandar will undergo an inventory process to ensure the complete documentation of all the riches it houses.