What’s inside the Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath Temple that was opened after 46 years?
Jul 15, 2024, 18:19 IST
Ratna Bhandar is a sacred treasury of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in one of the Char Dhams Puri. It holds a special place in the hearts of the local residents with several myths around it ranging from snakes guarding the treasure to possible curse on whoever attempts to break in.
On Sunday, the Ratna Bhandar was reopened after 46 years. The treasury was last opened in 1978.
Officials said this was done to count the valuables and repair the structure. A committee set up by the state government entered the temple around noon. After performing rituals, they reopened the treasury.
Officials said that 11 people were present when the treasury was reopened. These included former Orissa High Court judge Biswanath Rath, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator Arabinda Padhee, ASI Superintendent DB Gadanayak, and a representative of Puri's titular king, the 'Gajapati Maharaja'.
There are three steps to the SOP, Padhee said, "First, we open the Outer Ratna Bhandar. For the Inner Ratna Bhandar, there is another set of guidelines. We also have a temporary strong room. Once the valuables are moved from the Ratna Bhandar to the strong room, we will inventory them. We seek Mahaprabhu's blessings for a smooth opening of the Ratna Bhandar, and then we will proceed with the next steps.”
Two teams of snake catchers were also present at the temple as the committee members entered the treasury as many believed that there might be snakes inside. Additionally, a team of doctors were also on standby with necessary medical supplies.
However, no snakes or reptiles were found in the area and no apparent health concerns were reported among the ones who entered. Padhee said that although the treasury was reopened, the inventory of valuables will not be done right away.
Read - India's richest temples and their net worth!
The Ratna Bhandar has two chambers: the Inner Treasury (Bhitar Bhandar) and the Outer Treasury (Bahar Treasury). It reportedly holds precious gold and diamond jewellery offered to Lord Jagannath. According to Odisha Magazine, King Anangabhima Dev of Odisha donated 2.5 lakh madhas of gold to make jewellery for the deity.
According to Odisha Magzine, The Inner Treasury has around 74 gold ornaments, each weighing more than 100 tolas. There are also plates made of gold, diamonds, corals, and pearls. Additionally, the treasury contains over 140 silver jewellery items.
SEE ALSO:
Top temples to visit in India you must visit atleast once in a lifetime
Advertisement
On Sunday, the Ratna Bhandar was reopened after 46 years. The treasury was last opened in 1978.
Officials said this was done to count the valuables and repair the structure. A committee set up by the state government entered the temple around noon. After performing rituals, they reopened the treasury.
Officials said that 11 people were present when the treasury was reopened. These included former Orissa High Court judge Biswanath Rath, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator Arabinda Padhee, ASI Superintendent DB Gadanayak, and a representative of Puri's titular king, the 'Gajapati Maharaja'.
There are three steps to the SOP, Padhee said, "First, we open the Outer Ratna Bhandar. For the Inner Ratna Bhandar, there is another set of guidelines. We also have a temporary strong room. Once the valuables are moved from the Ratna Bhandar to the strong room, we will inventory them. We seek Mahaprabhu's blessings for a smooth opening of the Ratna Bhandar, and then we will proceed with the next steps.”
Advertisement
However, no snakes or reptiles were found in the area and no apparent health concerns were reported among the ones who entered. Padhee said that although the treasury was reopened, the inventory of valuables will not be done right away.
Read - India's richest temples and their net worth!
The Ratna Bhandar has two chambers: the Inner Treasury (Bhitar Bhandar) and the Outer Treasury (Bahar Treasury). It reportedly holds precious gold and diamond jewellery offered to Lord Jagannath. According to Odisha Magazine, King Anangabhima Dev of Odisha donated 2.5 lakh madhas of gold to make jewellery for the deity.
According to Odisha Magzine, The Inner Treasury has around 74 gold ornaments, each weighing more than 100 tolas. There are also plates made of gold, diamonds, corals, and pearls. Additionally, the treasury contains over 140 silver jewellery items.
Advertisement
To mark this occasion, the Office of the Chief Minister of Odisha posted on X, saying, "Jai Jagannath! Oh Lord, you are rhythmic. The whole world is moved by your desire. You are the heartbeat of our nation."SEE ALSO:
Top temples to visit in India you must visit atleast once in a lifetime