The Ratna Bhandar, revered treasury of Lord Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha, was reopened on Sunday. A team of 11 members, appointed by the state government, commenced an inventory of valuables stored in both the Inner Treasury (Bhitar Bhandar) and Outer Treasury (Bahar Treasury). Odisha High Court judge Biswanath Rath oversaw the process.
Judge Rath confirmed that access to the inner chamber treasury was gained by cutting the locks in the presence of a magistrate and others, marking the first opening in 46 years. Addressing rumors of snakes inside, he dismissed them along with other myths surrounding the Ratna Bhandar.
“Due to the ongoing Bahuda Yatra preparations involving temple management, we had limited time for thorough checking and shifting of ornaments,” Judge Rath stated. He announced plans to schedule another date for relocating the deities’ ornaments and precious stones.
Arabninda Padhee, chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), reported that jewelry from the outer treasury had been moved to a temporary secure room within the temple premises and sealed under magistrate supervision.
The occasion was also marked by a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, which said, “In accordance with Lord Jagannath’s wish and Odia community’s pride (‘Odia Asmita’), efforts are underway for collective progress. As per His wish, the four gates of Jagannath temples were previously opened. Today, Ratna Bhandar has been reopened after 46 years for a greater purpose.