Date: July 16, 2024

Inner Chamber of Puri Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar Opened After 46 Years

After nearly five decades, the inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar, the treasury of the Puri Jagannath Temple, was opened on Sunday. A 12-member team, led by the chief administrator of the temple, Arabinda Padhee, along with Orissa high court judge Biswanath Rath and several other officials, undertook the task of breaking the three locks to gain access.(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GXeQktSe7c)

A Long-Awaited Opening

The Ratna Bhandar had not been audited since 1978. When the team entered the outer chamber at 1:28 PM, they spent about one and a half hours transferring valuables from there to a temporary strong room within the temple premises. Due to time constraints, the inner chamber’s wooden chests and almirahs were not opened.

Historical Context and Missing Keys

The opening of the inner chamber was significant due to the discovery of missing keys back in 2018, which had prevented an earlier attempt to access the treasury. The issue had sparked public outcry, leading to a judicial inquiry. Although the inquiry was completed in late 2018, the report was never made public.

Valuable Contents and Historical Donations

The Ratna Bhandar, resembling a small temple, consists of two chambers containing the jewels of the Jagannath Trinity. Historical records, including the “Madala Panji,” indicate substantial donations from monarchs and kings, including over 250 kg of gold from Eastern Ganga monarch Anangabhima Dev III.

The inventory from 1978 revealed a total of 454 gold articles weighing 128.38 kg and 293 silver articles weighing 221.53 kg. The inner chamber was last accessed in the early 1980s for specific needs, but no comprehensive audit was conducted.

Inspection and Future Plans

The recent inspection revealed the presence of five wooden chests, four wooden almirahs, and one steel almirah, along with some items scattered on the floor. Due to the upcoming Bahuda Yatra festival, transferring the contents to a secure location will be scheduled for a later date. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will then inspect the structure for safety.

Community and Government Reactions

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi expressed his happiness over the opening, emphasizing its significance for the state’s cultural pride. The event had also been a key issue in recent assembly elections, with the BJP promising an audit and inventory of the treasury in their manifesto.

Conclusion

The opening of the Ratna Bhandar marks a historic event, aligning with the state’s cultural and religious heritage. Future audits and inventories will ensure the preservation and proper management of these invaluable treasures.