Lord Jagannath Temple's 'Ratna Bhandar' to Open After Four Decades

The Lord Jagannath Temple's 'Ratna Bhandar' in Puri will be opened at 1:28 pm on Sunday following government-issued SOPs, according to Inspection Committee Chairman Justice Biswanath Rath. The opening, approved by the Odisha government, aims to inventory valuables stored since its last opening in 1985.

The 'Ratna Bhandar' (Treasure Trove) of the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri is slated to be opened at 1:28 pm on Sunday, following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Odisha government, Inspection Committee Chairman Justice Biswanath Rath announced. The Odisha government granted approval for the opening on Saturday, marking the first time in over four decades that the Ratna Bhandar will be accessed to inventory the valuables stored within, including pieces of jewelry.

Justice Rath explained, "Based on discussions in our meeting and suggestions from the 'Purohits' and 'mukti mandap,' 1:28 pm was chosen as the optimal time to open the Ratna Bhandar." He added that the SOPs will be implemented in three phases, as directed by the government.

"The SOPs cover the opening of the Ratna Bhandar, securing the ornaments and valuables in both 'bhandars' section-wise, and transferring them to pre-designated rooms inside the Garbha Griha," Rath elaborated. He further noted the complexity of the task since the Ratna Bhandar's layout has been unknown since it was last opened in 1985.

A meeting today confirmed the decision to proceed with the opening and secure the valuables. "Two sets of video recordings and certifications will document the process. Although it's challenging due to the unknowns since 1985, we will open the locks today," Rath stated. Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan added, "On July 14, the Ratna Bhandar of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath will be opened. The Chief Minister has given final approval, and all SOPs have been established. The Chief Administrator of the temple is responsible for ensuring the process runs smoothly under his supervision."

Harichandan also mentioned that the inventory will include a representative from the Reserve Bank of India and result in a digital catalogue. "We requested RBI involvement, and their representative will participate. Post-counting, a digital catalogue with photographs, weights, and quality details will be created, serving as a reference document," he explained.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) also manages the maintenance of this 12th-century shrine. The treasury was last opened in 1978.