Ratna Bhandar Opening: Curious Devotees Throng Puri Jagannath Temple

The long-awaited moment finally arrived on July 14, 2024, when the sacred Ratna Bhandar of Lord Jagannath was reopened after 46 years, sending waves of excitement and reverence through the crowded streets of Puri. The historic event drew devotees from all corners, eager to catch a glimpse of the treasured ornaments and valuables that had lain hidden inside the temple for decades.

The Lead-Up to the Opening
The Inventory Process
The Inventory Contents
Security Measures
The Emotional Uprising
Historical Background
The Significance of the Event
Conclusion
FAQs

The Lead-Up to the Opening

The Ratna Bhandar, also known as the chamber of secret, has been the subject of much speculation and intrigue over the years. The last time the treasury was opened, in 1978, a comprehensive inventory of its contents was documented. However, the project was stalled in recent years due to controversies and lost keys. The new Odisha government, formed after the BJP’s state election victory, took a decisive step towards reopening the treasury, assuring the people of Odisha that their cultural heritage would be preserved and showcased.

The Inventory Process

On the day of the opening, a specially formed 11-member committee led by Dibyasingha Deb, the titular King of Puri, entered the Ratna Bhandar after breaking the lock. A team of snake charmers and rescue personnel were present, though no snakes were found inside the chamber. The entire process, overseen by snake catchers, a medical team, and disaster response personnel, took over four hours, ensuring the safety of both the team and the valuable items inside.

The Inventory Contents

The Ratna Bhandar holds a vast collection of jewelry and ornaments, including 180 types of ornaments, many weighing more than 1.2 kilograms. These items have been donated by devotees over centuries and are crucial to Odisha’s cultural heritage. The last complete inventory in 1978 documented 454 gold articles and 293 silver articles stored in both the inner (Bhitar Bhandar) and outer (Bahar Bhandar) chambers.

Security Measures

To ensure the process was transparent and secure, the government deployed state and central forces around the temple. Access control measures included hand-held metal detectors and door frame metal detectors to ensure only authorized personnel entered the treasury.

The Emotional Uprising

The atmosphere was electric with anticipation and reverence as the treasure was unveiled. Devotees from all walks of life gathered outside the temple, keen to participate in this historic moment. Many shared their emotions and hopes for the future of Odisha’s cultural heritage, proud to be a part of this monumental event.

Historical Background

The Ratna Bhandar has been the subject of multiple inventories and attempts to reopen the treasure over the years. In 1905, the British administration opened the treasury for inspection, and subsequent records were made in 1926. The treasury was again opened in 1978 by the then Odisha Governor Bhagabat Dayal Sharma, a process that took 70 days to complete.

The Significance of the Event

The reopening of Ratna Bhandar marks a significant step towards preserving and showcasing Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. The BJP’s promise to open the treasury became a major poll plank in the recent elections, and its fulfillment is seen as a triumph for the new government. The event brings the people of Odisha closer to their cultural identity and serves as a beacon for the state’s future development.

Conclusion

The opening of Ratna Bhandar at Puri Jagannath Temple is a milestone event that has brought the people of Odisha together. As the inventory process continues, the world waits with bated breath to know more about the treasures that lie within. This momentous event will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Odisha’s cultural landscape and serve as a testament to the power of tradition and heritage.

FAQs

1. What is Ratna Bhandar?

Ratna Bhandar is the sacred treasury of the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, housing a vast collection of jewelry and ornaments donated by devotees over centuries.

2. Why was Ratna Bhandar reopened after 46 years?

The Odisha government decided to reopen Ratna Bhandar to preserve and showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage, fulfilling a promise made during recent elections.

3. Who led the inventory process of Ratna Bhandar?

The inventory process was led by an 11-member committee headed by Dibyasingha Deb, the titular King of Puri, and included a medical team, snake catchers, and disaster response personnel.

4. What kind of items are stored in Ratna Bhandar?

Ratna Bhandar holds a vast collection of valuable jewelry and ornaments, including gold and silver articles, many of which are significant to Odisha’s cultural heritage.

5. How was security ensured during the opening of Ratna Bhandar?

The government deployed state and central forces around the temple and implemented strict access control measures, including metal detectors, to ensure only authorized personnel entered the treasury.