After a span of 46 years, the Ratna Bhandar (treasury) of the revered Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, has been opened to the public. This significant event, marked by ceremonial protocols and utmost reverence, took place at the auspicious time of 1:28 pm, amidst great anticipation and religious fervor. The Ratna Bhandar, dating back to the 12th century, had remained sealed since its last opening in 1978. The decision to reopen it was preceded by meticulous planning and adherence to traditional rituals, underscoring its sacred significance in the temple’s history.
An 11-member inspection team, attired in traditional attire and adorned with the sacred ‘Agyan Mala’ received from Lord Jagannath, initiated the reopening process. Initially, the outer chamber of the Ratna Bhandar was unlocked, followed by efforts to access the inner chamber, emphasizing the careful approach to handling the temple’s treasures. Arabinda Padhee, Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), affirmed that the Ratna Bhandar would only be accessible on Sundays, with subsequent inventory work scheduled for later. Highlighting the paramount importance of structural safety, Padhee ensured that no immediate assessment or counting of ornaments and valuables would occur post-opening.
To ensure the safekeeping of the Ratna Bhandar’s treasures, six specially crafted ‘Sindooks’ (wooden chests) were commissioned and transported to Puri under strict security measures. These teak wood chests, reinforced with brass roofing, will temporarily house the valuables under high-resolution CCTV surveillance in a designated strong room. Crafted by skilled artisans, the ‘Sindooks’ underwent meticulous construction in Bhubaneswar, with 20 craftsmen completing the first batch within 48 hours.
After a span of 46 years, the Ratna Bhandar (treasury) of the revered Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, has been opened to the public. This significant event, marked by ceremonial protocols and utmost reverence, took place at the auspicious time of 1:28 pm, amidst great anticipation and religious fervor. The Ratna Bhandar, dating back to the 12th century, had remained sealed since its last opening in 1978. The decision to reopen it was preceded by meticulous planning and adherence to traditional rituals, underscoring its sacred significance in the temple’s history.
An 11-member inspection team, attired in traditional attire and adorned with the sacred ‘Agyan Mala’ received from Lord Jagannath, initiated the reopening process. Initially, the outer chamber of the Ratna Bhandar was unlocked, followed by efforts to access the inner chamber, emphasizing the careful approach to handling the temple’s treasures. Arabinda Padhee, Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), affirmed that the Ratna Bhandar would only be accessible on Sundays, with subsequent inventory work scheduled for later. Highlighting the paramount importance of structural safety, Padhee ensured that no immediate assessment or counting of ornaments and valuables would occur post-opening.
To ensure the safekeeping of the Ratna Bhandar’s treasures, six specially crafted ‘Sindooks’ (wooden chests) were commissioned and transported to Puri under strict security measures. These teak wood chests, reinforced with brass roofing, will temporarily house the valuables under high-resolution CCTV surveillance in a designated strong room. Crafted by skilled artisans, the ‘Sindooks’ underwent meticulous construction in Bhubaneswar, with 20 craftsmen completing the first batch within 48 hours.
