Ratna Bhandar Reopened: Jagannath Temple's Treasury Reveals Its Secrets After 46 Years

The revered Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath temple in Puri was reopened after 46 years for an inventory and repairs. The reopening became a political issue, with BJP promising to address it. Inspections revealed no significant issues, and plans were made to create a digital catalogue of the valuables.

The revered Ratna Bhandar of the 12th-century Jagannath temple in Puri reopened on Sunday after 46 years for an inventory and structural repairs, officials said.

The state government-constituted committee, which included former Orissa HC judge Biswanath Rath and other officials, entered the holy site around midday. Rituals were performed before reopening the treasury at 1.28 pm, an auspicious time decided in a morning meet.

Initially, the outer chamber of the treasury was opened, and its contents were temporarily moved. However, due to lock issues, the inner chamber's inventory was delayed, to be resumed after the Bahuda Yatra. The process was documented, with no snakes found inside the treasury, contrary to beliefs.