Historic Reopening of Shri Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar After Four Decades

The Ratna Bhandar (Treasure Trove) of Shri Jagannath Temple is set to be reopened on Sunday at 1:28 pm for an inventory check. This event follows the approval of Standard Operating Procedures by the Odisha government after more than 40 years. Security and confidentiality measures are in place.

Historic preparations are underway at Shri Jagannath Temple for the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar (Treasure Trove) on Sunday at precisely 1:28 pm. Special boxes have been delivered to carry out an inventory of the temple's valuable artifacts, including jewelry, following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Odisha government. This significant event comes after over four decades since the last opening.

Arabinda Padhee, Chief of Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), confirmed the Odisha government's approval for the SOPs. 'Today, the Ratna Bhandar will be opened according to established guidelines,' Padhee stated. Authorized representatives from various 'sewa' groups, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and Shri Gajapati Maharaj will be present. The entire proceedings will be video recorded for record-keeping, not publicity, and will remain strictly confidential.

Padhee outlined a three-step SOP for the opening: first, the outer Ratna Bhandar, followed by the inner treasure vault, and finally, transferring valuables to a temporary strong room. Puri SP Pinak Mishra assured that stringent security measures are in place, including Quick Response Teams at key locations, to maintain the sanctity of daily rituals. Meanwhile, sand artist and inspection committee member Sudarshan Patnaik highlighted the significance of this event, especially for essential repair works by the ASI on the 12th-century shrine. This is the first reopening since 1978.

(With inputs from agencies.)