Odisha to Unlock Jagannath Temple's Treasure Trove after 45 Years

The Odisha government will open the 'Ratna Bhandar' of Lord Jagannath Temple after more than four decades to inventory its valuables. The process, approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, will include RBI representation and a digital catalogue of the items.

The Odisha government is set to unlock the 'Ratna Bhandar' (Treasure Trove) of the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri after over four decades. This move aims to inventory the valuables, including pieces of jewellery stored there, according to Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.

The Ratna Bhandar is scheduled to be opened on July 14, with final approval granted by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. 'All standard operating procedures have been laid down and the government has given the Chief Administrator of the temple full responsibility to ensure smooth operations,' stated Harichandan. The inventory will be conducted with the presence of a Reserve Bank of India representative, and a digital catalogue will document the items.

'We had requested involvement from the Reserve Bank of India, and a representative will be included,' said Harichandan. 'A digital catalogue will be created with photographs, weights, and other quality details of the ornaments.' Repairs will follow once the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) gives its approval. Additional measures include implementing a permanent support system to withstand adverse weather conditions. The Treasury was last opened in 1978.

Puri Jagannath Temple, one of the most important temples dedicated to Lord Jagannath—a form of Lord Vishnu—is located in Odisha. Known by several names such as Srimandira and Bada Deula, it is often referred to as the land of Lord Jagannath.