Puri: In a historic occasion for Odisha, Ratna Bhandar, the revered treasury of the 12th-century Jagannath temple in Puri, finally reopened on Sunday after 46 years for an inventory of valuables and the repair of its structure. Ratna Bhandar was unlocked at the auspicious time (Subha Bela) of 1:28 PM on Sunday i.e. July 14.
The outer chamber of the Ratna Bhandar was opened first. Special boxes were brought to the temple to shift the ornaments to a temporary strong room.
“On the wish of Bhagwan Jagannath, the Odia community, with the identity of ‘Odia Asmita’, has started making efforts to move forward,” The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a post on X.
“On your wish, the four gates of the Jagannath temples were earlier opened. Today, on your wish, the Ratna Bhandar was opened after 46 years for a greater purpose,” it said.
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As per reports, 11 members entered the Ratna Bhandar including two from the inspection Committee to oversee the opening of the treasure trove.
Among the 11 people who entered the temple to reopen its revered treasury are former Orissa HC judge Biswanath Rath, Shree Jagannath Temple Administrator (SJTA) chief administrator Arabinda Padhee, ASI Superintendent DB Gadanayak and a representative of Puri’s king Gajapati Maharaja. The SJTA led by the chief administrator is overseeing the operation,
Before entering the temple SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee said, that though the treasury was reopened, the inventory of valuables will not be carried out immediately. The ornaments and other valuables kept in the inner and outer chambers of the treasury would be moved to a temporary strong room in wooden chests. The temporary strong room has been identified and all required arrangements, including the installation of CCTV cameras, have been ensured.
Shree Padhi also said that 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.
“ Our priority will be to ensure the safety of the structure of the treasury. After the completion of the repair works, the valuables will be brought back and then, the process for inventory will be carried out,” he added.
Before this, in the morning, Justice Rath and Padhee offered prayers before Lord Jagannath and his siblings at the Gundicha temple for the smooth completion of the works.
