After over four decades, the esteemed Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove) of the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, reopened on July 14th, 2024. This historic event marked a significant milestone for the state and the devotees of Lord Jagannath. The Ratna Bhandar, which houses a vast collection of valuable ornaments and artefacts donated by devotees over centuries, had remained locked and inaccessible since 1978.
The Ratna Bhandar’s Reopening
The Odisha government set up an 11-member committee to manage the reopening and inventory of the Ratna Bhandar. Former Orissa High Court judge Biswanath Rath and SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee head this committee. They entered the temple premises at around noon on July 14th. After conducting the required rituals, the Ratna Bhandar was reopened at the auspicious time of 1:28 pm. The reopening was done following all the traditional and procedural requirements.
Inventory And Restoration
The inventory of the valuables within the Ratna Bhandar has been put on hold for the time being as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and a team of structural, mechanical, and civil engineers inspect the structure for necessary repairs. The authorities have identified a temporary substantial room near the Ratna Bhandar to store the ornaments and artefacts from the outer chamber safely. However, the valuables from the inner chamber are yet to be shifted, as the team ran out of time on the first day.
Securing The Treasures
To ensure the safe transportation and storage of the Ratna Bhandar’s contents, the authorities have commissioned the creation of several wooden chests with brass interiors. These chests, measuring 4.5 feet in length, 2.5 feet in height, and 2.5 feet in breadth, will be used to move the valuables to the temporary substantial room carefully. As of now, six such chests have been completed, with an additional nine in the works.
Digital Cataloguing
The Odisha government plans to create a detailed digital record of all the valuables in the Ratna Bhandar. This record will include information about the weight and type of each item. This project aims to have a complete list of the temple’s treasures, which will help manage and preserve them better. This initiative will ensure that every valuable item is documented properly for future reference and safekeeping.
Security Concerns
Concerns were raised about the presence of snakes within the Ratna Bhandar, as devotees believe that these reptiles guard the valuables. To address this, the authorities have deployed teams of snake catchers inside and outside the temple premises. However, no snakes were found during the initial reopening. Additionally, the government has ensured that all necessary security measures, including installing CCTV cameras, are in place to protect the Ratna Bhandar’s contents.
