Odisha to Reopen Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar After 46 Years

The Odisha government is set to reopen the Ratna Bhandar, the treasury of the 12th-century Jagannath temple in Puri, after 46 years. The reopening aims to inventory valuables and repair the structure. The process will be supervised by a state-appointed committee, and various SOPs are in place for the task.

In a historic move, the Odisha government is reopening the Ratna Bhandar, the cherished treasury of the 12th-century Jagannath temple in Puri, some 46 years after it was last unlocked. The decision is aimed at conducting an inventory of the valuables and carrying out essential repairs to the structure.

This significant step will be overseen by a committee formed by the state government, led by Justice Biswanath Rath. The committee held a meeting in Puri to finalize the details, with members set to enter the holy site in traditional attire following essential rituals and prayers.

The opening process is guided by meticulously prepared Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Despite the reopening, the inventory process will not commence immediately as further approvals and expert consultations are needed. Authorities also plan to create a digital catalogue of the treasures. Structural inspection and repair evaluations will be conducted by engineers, with safety measures in place, including the deployment of snake catchers.