Secret Tunnels in Shree Jagannath Temple's Treasury? Experts Weigh In

Speculations about a hidden tunnel within the inner chamber of Ratna Bhandar at Shree Jagannath Temple have been addressed by Puri's titular king Gajapati Maharaja Divya Singha Deb. While Deb suggests using modern technology for investigation, experts like Justice Biswnath Rath and Durga Dasmohapatra found no evidence of tunnels after thorough inspection.

Amidst ongoing speculation about a hidden tunnel within the inner chamber of Ratna Bhandar at the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri's titular king Gajapati Maharaja Divya Singha Deb suggested that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) could employ modern technology to investigate.

Deb made the statement on Thursday while fielding questions about the potential existence of tunnels or secret chambers within the temple's treasury. Locals have long believed in the existence of such features inside the treasury.

The ASI could utilise advanced tools like laser scanning to evaluate the condition of the chamber. A technological survey could shed light on any existing structures, such as tunnels, Deb noted.

However, Justice Biswnath Rath, chairman of the supervisory committee and former judge of the Orissa High Court, who spent over seven hours inside the chamber with ten other members, reported no evidence of tunnels. Rath urged the media to avoid spreading misinformation on the subject.

Durga Dasmohapatra, another committee member and servitor, echoed Rath's findings. Their inspection revealed no secret chambers or tunnels, although minor structural issues like falling stones and a cracked wall were observed. Fortunately, the floor was not damp, as some had feared.

(With inputs from agencies.)