New Delhi: After a 46-year closure, the Ratna Bhandar (gemstone treasury) of Puris Jagannath temple is scheduled to reopen today at 1:28 pm, according to officials from the Odisha government. This revered treasury, inaccessible since 1978, houses a vast collection of ornaments and valuables linked to the ancient temple. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), responsible for the temples maintenance, will conduct an inventory inspection and perform necessary repairs on the treasury during this opportunity, as reported by PTI.Reopening of Ratna Bhandar Puri District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain assured that all necessary arrangements are in place for the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar on July 14 and emphasized that the team will meticulously follow the standard operating procedures (SOP) outlined by the government in compliance with the regulations outlined in the Shree Jagannath Temple Act.Today, a 16-member high-level committee, chaired by retired Orissa High Court Justice Biswanath Rath has recommended reopening the Ratna Bhandar. According to committee member Soumendra Muduli, the reopening ceremony will begin with traditional prayers to Lord Lokanath within the temple premises, adhering to established customs and protocols.Haladhar Dasmohapatra, the chief servitor of Lord Balabhadra, emphasised the pressing need for repairs due to the extended closure, highlighting the importance of reopening the Ratna Bhandar. He also dispelled rumors about a guardian snake, assuring no obstacles and encouraged visitors to approach the temple with devotion and respect.Instead of weighing the stored treasures, he recommended that the government prioritize counting and resealing them.Chambers of Ratna BhandarA senior temple servitor described the layout of the Ratna Bhandar, explaining that it consists of two chambers, an outer chamber housing ritual ornaments used in religious ceremonies and an inner chamber containing valuable items and jewelry donated by devotees and kings over the centuries, accumulated into a vast treasure trove.
