The 'Ratna Bhandar' or gemstone treasury of Puri's Jagannath temple is likely to be reopened on July 14 after 46 years, according to Odisha government officials. This revered treasury, last accessed in 1978, holds a trove of ornaments and valuables associated with the ancient shrine.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), responsible for the maintenance of this 12th-century temple, will use the opportunity to inspect the inventory and undertake repair work of the bhandar, and official said, according to PTI.
"We are fully prepared for the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar on July 14. We will strictly adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP) issued by the government in accordance with the Shree Jagannath Temple Act," stated Puri District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain.
A 16-member high-level committee, under the leadership of retired Justice Biswanath Rath from the Orissa High Court, recommended the reopening for July 14. "Following traditional protocols, we will commence with prayers to Lord Lokanath inside the temple," remarked Soumendra Muduli, a committee member.
Precautionary measures include the presence of authorised personnel and a snake catcher before entry into the treasury, noted Muduli.
Haladhar Dasmohapatra, chief servitor of Lord Balabhadra, stressed the urgency of reopening for repairs, given the prolonged closure. Addressing speculation about a guardian snake, Dasmohapatra clarified there is no such hindrance and urged visitors to approach with reverence.
He further suggested that instead of weighing the stored valuables, the government should focus on counting and resealing them.
Describing the layout, a senior temple servitor explained that the Ratna Bhandar comprises an outer chamber that houses ritual ornaments, an inner chamber containing donated jewellery and precious items accumulated over centuries by kings and devotees.
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