Puri Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar unlocked after over 46 years
Puri: The Ratna Bhandar, the treasury of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, was reopened on Sunday afternoon after 46 years, media reported.
Members of an 11-member committee formed by the Odisha government entered the Jagannath Temple to reopen its revered treasury.
The group comprised former Orissa High Court judge Biswanath Rath, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator Arabinda Padhee, ASI Superintendent DB Gadanayak, and a representative of Puri's titular king, 'Gajapati Maharaja'. Additionally, four temple servitors—Patjoshi Mohapatra, Bhandar Mekap, Chadhaukarana, and Deulikaran—were among those who entered the Ratna Bhandar, according to reports.
Four temple servitors—Patjoshi Mohapatra, Bhandar Mekap, Chadhaukarana, and Deulikaran—also entered the Ratna Bhandar.
In the morning, the temple administration also sought approval for the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar with a ritual known as ‘Agnya’.
The Ratna Bhandar holds the precious ornaments of the sibling deities—Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balabhadra—donated by devotees and erstwhile kings over the centuries. It is divided into two sections: the outer chamber (Bahara Bhandar) and the inner chamber (Bhitara Bhandar).
While the outer chamber of the 12th-century shrine is opened on occasions such as the Suna Besha (golden attire) ritual during the annual Rath Yatra, the last inventory of the treasury was conducted in 1978.
Two teams of snake catchers were also present at the temple as the committee members entered the treasure trove, due to concerns about the possible presence of snakes inside the treasury.
To commemorate this occasion, the Office of the Chief Minister of Odisha, taking to X, said, "Jai Jagannath Oh Lord! You are rhythmic. The whole world is oppressed by your desire. You are the heartbeat of the orthodox nation... The four doors of the temple were first opened at your will. Today, after 46 years of your will, the gem was opened with a great purpose...I strongly believe that this great work will be successful..."
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is responsible for the maintenance of the 12th-century shrine, will be carrying out repair works in the Ratna Bhandar.
"Three SOPs have been made. One is related to the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar, the second for the management of the temporary Ratna Bhandar, and the third one is related to inventory of the valuables," PTI quoted an official as saying.
"The inventory work will not start today. It will be done after getting approval from the government on the engagement of valuers, goldsmiths and other experts," the official added.
The government has decided to prepare a digital catalogue of the valuables in the Ratna Bhandar, including details such as their weight and make.
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