Ratna Bhandar of Puri Jagannath Temple Reopens After 46 Years

The Ratna Bhandar, the treasury of the 12th-century Jagannath temple in Odisha’s Puri, was reopened on Sunday after 46 years. This significant event has garnered immense attention and reverence from devotees and historians alike. The reopening process, steeped in ritual and tradition, marks a monumental moment in the temple’s long and storied history.

The Historical Significance of Ratna Bhandar

The Ratna Bhandar, which means “treasure house,” holds the precious ornaments of the sibling deities — Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balabhadra. These ornaments have been donated by devotees and erstwhile kings over the centuries. The treasury is divided into two chambers: the outer chamber (Bahara Bhandar) and the inner chamber (Bhitara Bhandar). The outer chamber is occasionally opened for rituals such as the Suna Besha (golden attire) during the annual Rath Yatra, but the inner chamber had remained sealed since 1978.

The Committee and the Rituals

An 11-member committee, set up by the Odisha government, was tasked with the reopening. The members 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 ‘Gajapati Maharaja’. Four temple servitors — Patjoshi Mohapatra, Bhandar Mekap, Chadhaukarana, and Deulikaran — were also part of the group.

The ritual of ‘Agnya’, where approval is sought for the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar, was completed in the morning. This ritual is crucial as it ensures that the process adheres to the temple’s traditions and rituals.

The Reopening Process

Two teams of snake catchers were present at the temple, anticipating the presence of snakes inside the treasury. This precaution underscores the careful and respectful approach taken during the reopening. Ahead of the event, the committee established three Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to manage the process effectively:

1. SOP for the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar.
2. SOP for the management of the temporary Ratna Bhandar.
3. SOP for the inventory of the valuables.

The inventory process did not commence immediately. An official stated that the inventory work would begin after receiving approval from the government for engaging valuers, goldsmiths, and other experts. This meticulous approach aims to ensure the accurate and respectful handling of the temple’s treasures.

Digital Catalogue and Future Plans

The government has decided to prepare a digital catalogue of the valuables in the Ratna Bhandar. This catalogue will include details such as the weight and make of each item, ensuring a comprehensive and accessible record. This initiative reflects a modern approach to preserving and managing historical and religious artifacts, blending tradition with technology.

The reopening of the Ratna Bhandar after 46 years is a historic event for the Jagannath temple and its devotees. It symbolizes the continuity of tradition and the reverence for the temple’s rich history. As the process unfolds, it is expected to reveal invaluable insights into the temple’s past, enriching the cultural and religious heritage of Odisha.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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