Odisha to Decide on Reopening Lord Jagannath's Ratna Bhandar

Odisha's Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced that the state government will decide on the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar of Lord Jagannath temple in Puri. The treasury, last opened in 1978, became a political issue. The decision will be based on SOPs proposed by the temple's managing committee.

Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan stated that the state government will announce its decision on the reopening of Ratna Bhandar, the treasury of Lord Jagannath temple in Puri, on Saturday.

Not opened since 1978, the reopening of the temple treasury has emerged as a significant political issue during recent elections. The BJP had pledged to reopen the 12th-century shrine's treasury if elected to power in the state.

'The state government is currently scrutinizing the legal and procedural aspects of the SOPs recommended by the temple's managing committee. The final decision will be disclosed on Saturday,' said Harichandan.

The Law Department of the state government manages the administration of the Lord Jagannath temple in Puri.

Significantly, the temple managing committee has accepted the suggestions of a high-level panel led by former Orissa High Court judge Biswanath Rath, with some amendments to the SOPs, and forwarded them for government approval.

A 16-member high-level committee, formed by the state government to inspect the inner Ratna Bhandar and inventory its contents, including ornaments and valuables, recommended reopening the treasury on July 14.