Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath Temple: The Ratna Bhandar in Jagannath Puri Temple, Odisha, holds a priceless treasure. This treasure chamber is supposed to be opened every three years for inspection, but it requires the Odisha government’s approval. The Ratna Bhandar had remained sealed for 46 years until a recent legal battle allowed it to be reopened.
The Last Inspection in 1978
The last inspection of the Ratna Bhandar took place in 1978. The government formed an 11-member team led by Chief Justice of Odisha High Court, Biswanath Rath. This team included prominent figures like Sri Jagannath Temple Administration’s Chief Administrator Arvind Padhi, Puri’s King ‘Gajapati Maharaja’ and ASI Superintendent DB Gadnayak.
Contents of the Outer Ratna Bhandar
On July 14, the team entered the temple at 1:28 pm. The outer Ratna Bhandar’s items were sealed in six wooden boxes. However, the inner Ratna Bhandar’s contents remained untouched. After the Bahuda Yatra and Suna Vesha, the inner treasures will be cataloged digitally, noting details like number, quality, weight, and photographs. The team has yet to disclose what was found during the recent inspection.
Rituals Before Opening the Ratna Bhandar
The Jagannath Temple is one of the four Dhams, holding deep religious significance. Special worship and blessings from Lord Jagannath were performed before the 11-member team entered the Ratna Bhandar. This storehouse is believed to be filled with precious gems and jewelry, including significant donations from King Anangbham Dev.
Precious Treasures in Ratna Bhandar
The Ratna Bhandar has two rooms: the inner and outer storehouses. Reports indicate the outer storehouse contains a gold crown, three gold necklaces weighing 120 tolas each, and gold Sribhuja and Sripayar of Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra. The inner treasury reportedly holds around 74 gold ornaments, each weighing over 100 tolas, along with gold, diamond, coral, and pearl plates. Additionally, there are over 140 silver ornaments.
Discoveries in the 1978 Inspection
In 2018, Odisha’s then Law Minister, Pratap Jena, revealed that the 1978 inspection yielded approximately 140 kg of gold ornaments and 256 kg of silver utensils, all studded with precious stones. In August 2023, the Jagannath Temple Management Committee recommended the state government inspect the Ratna Bhandar during the 2024 annual Rath Yatra. Contrary to rumors of protective snakes inside, committee members confirmed no snakes were found.
A 46-Year Wait to Open Ratna Bhandar
Despite the rule to inspect the Ratna Bhandar every three years, it remained closed for 46 years, necessitating a long legal struggle. In 2018, the Odisha High Court allowed the state government to open the Ratna Bhandar at the Archaeological Survey of India’s request. However, the government reported the keys were lost.
The Ratna Bhandar has faced 15 attempted lootings, with the first in 1451 and the last in 1731 by Mohammad Taqi.
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