Jagannath temple's Ratna Bhandar reopens after 46 years

Ratna Bhandar reopens after 46 years, marking a significant moment for Puri's Jagannath Temple [image: Canva]

The Ratna Bhandar, the sacred treasury of the 12th-century Jagannath temple in Puri, was reopened on Sunday after being closed for 46 years. This reopening allows for an inventory of valuable items and necessary repairs to the treasury’s structure.

A special committee formed by the state government entered the temple at noon, performed rituals, and officially reopened the treasury. The reopening became a significant political issue during recent elections, with the BJP criticizing the ruling BJD over the missing keys. The BJP had promised to reopen the treasury if they won.

In a message from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), it was stated that this reopening reflects the wishes of Lord Jagannath and the pride of the Odia community. The moment chosen for the reopening was considered auspicious, taking place at 1:28 PM.

ଜୟ ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ

ହେ ମହାପ୍ରଭୁ!

ତୁମେ ଲୀଳାମୟ। ତୁମ ଇଚ୍ଛାରେ ଏ ସାରା ସଂସାର ଆତଯାତ ହେଉଛି। ତୁମେ ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଜାତିର ହୃତ୍‌ ସ୍ପନ୍ଦନ। ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଜାତିର ଅସ୍ମିତା ଓ ସ୍ବାଭିମାନର ଶ୍ରେଷ୍ଠ ପରିଚୟ।

ତୁମ ଇଚ୍ଛାରେ ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଜାତି ଆଜି ତାର ଅସ୍ମିତାର ପରିଚୟକୁ ନେଇ ଆଗକୁ ବଢ଼ିବାକୁ ଉଦ୍ୟମ ଆରମ୍ଭ କରିଛି। ତୁମ ଇଚ୍ଛାରେ ପ୍ରଥମେ ଶ୍ରୀମନ୍ଦିରର ଚାରି…

— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) July 14, 2024

While the treasury was reopened, the actual inventory of valuables won’t happen immediately. Padhee mentioned that the items would be temporarily moved to a secure room in wooden chests, which have already been prepared. Safety of the treasury's structure is the top priority, and inventory will begin after repairs are completed.

Currently, three keys to the outer chamber are in possession of the Gajapati Maharaja, SJTA, and a servitor. The inner chamber's key is missing, and once found, it will be sealed and kept in the district treasury for safekeeping.

Six wooden chests made of teak have been created to store the valuables. Each chest measures 4.5 feet long and is equipped with brass interiors. The temple authorities had requested 15 such chests, and six were completed in just 48 hours.

The last time the treasury was opened was in 1978. On the day of reopening, Justice Rath and Padhee prayed at the Gundicha temple for a smooth process. The idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are currently at the Gundicha temple and will return to the main shrine during the upcoming Bahuda Yatra.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are in place for the reopening, management of the temporary treasury, and inventory processes. Additionally, a digital catalogue of the valuables will be created, detailing their weight and characteristics.

Lastly, there are concerns about snakes inside the treasury, which some devotees believe protect the valuables. A Snake Helpline team is on-site, ready to handle any issues as instructed by the state government.