Odisha to Open Lord Jagannath Temple’s Treasure Trove After 40 Years

The Odisha government is set to unlock the ‘Ratna Bhandar’ (Treasure Trove) of the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri after more than four decades to inventory the valuables stored there.

Key Details

Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan announced that the Ratna Bhandar would be opened on July 14, with final approval given by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The Chief Administrator of the temple has been given full responsibility to ensure the process runs smoothly.

Inventory Process

The inventory work will be conducted in the presence of a representative from the Reserve Bank of India. A digital catalogue will be created, including photographs, weights, and quality details of the ornaments.

Future Plans

After the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) gives the go-ahead, repair work will be carried out in the Ratna Bhandar. A permanent support system will also be established to withstand bad weather conditions. The ASI is responsible for maintaining the 12th-century shrine.

Historical Significance

The Ratna Bhandar was last opened in 1978. The Puri Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishnu), is one of the most important temples in Odisha and is known by many names, including Srimandira and Bada Deula.