After 46 years, the Odisha government is preparing to unlock the Ratna Bhandar, the sacred treasury of the Lord Jagannath temple in Puri, for an inventory of its ornaments and valuables. This historic event is scheduled for Sunday, marking a significant moment for the temple.
Historic Opening After Nearly Five Decades
The Ratna Bhandar, last opened in 1978, will be unlocked by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), responsible for maintaining the ancient 12th-century shrine. This occasion will also facilitate necessary repairs and maintenance work.
“We are fully prepared for the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar on Sunday. We will strictly follow the SOPs mandated by the government under the Shree Jagannath Temple Act,” stated Siddharth Shankar Swain, Puri district collector.
Committee’s Recommendation and Preparations
A 16-member high-level committee appointed by the state government recommended the reopening on July 14. The committee, chaired by retired Justice Biswanath Rath of the Orissa High Court, emphasized traditional rituals, starting with prayers to Lord Lokanath inside the temple.
“As a precautionary measure, authorized personnel and a snake catcher will be the first to enter the treasury,” noted Soumendra Muduli, a member of the special committee.
Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Transparency
Haladhar Dasmohapatra, chief servitor of Lord Balabhadra, highlighted the urgency of reopening the treasury for repairs after its prolonged closure. Addressing concerns about a guardian snake inside, Dasmohapatra clarified that there is no such obstacle and urged pure intentions in approaching the treasury.
“There is no need to weigh the stored valuables; a count and resealing process would suffice,” Dasmohapatra advised, emphasizing the importance of respecting the temple’s heritage.
Treasures Inside the Ratna Bhandar
According to senior temple servitors, the Ratna Bhandar comprises three sections: an outer chamber with ritual ornaments, an inner chamber housing non-utilized jewelry, and precious items donated over centuries by kings and devotees.
In 2018, the temple’s treasury was reported to contain over 12,831 bhari (one bhari equals 11.66 gm) of gold ornaments adorned with precious stones, along with 22,153 bhari of silver utensils and other donated items, as disclosed by then-law minister Pratap Jena in the Assembly.