📷 Image Credits: Moneycontrol
The Ratna Bhandar, the revered treasury of the 12th-century Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha, was reopened after 46 years for an inventory of valuables and the repair of its structure. A team of 11 members, including former Orissa HC judge Biswanath Rath, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration chief administrator Arabinda Padhee, ASI Superintendent DB Gadanayak, and a representative of Puri’s titular king ‘Gajapati Maharaja’, re-opened the treasury at the auspicious moment decided in the morning. Inside the Ratna Bhandar, the precious ornaments of the deities of the temple – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra – were stored by devotees and former kings over centuries. The collection includes a range of valuable jewellery, such as gold, diamonds, and precious stones. As per historical records, the treasury holds a treasure trove of 454 types of gold ornaments and 293 types of silver ornaments. King Anangabhima Dev donated an immense amount of gold to prepare jewellery for the deities, which reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region. The inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar also contains rare jewellery items, including pure gold ornaments, silver jewellery, gold coins, and silver coins. The reopening of the treasury marked a significant event, with high-level officials overseeing the process. Despite past concerns about potential snake threats, the inspection of the chamber revealed no abnormal presence. The careful inventory process was captured on video for future reference. Stay tuned for more updates on the treasures of the Jagannath temple and the mysteries of Ratna Bhandar.
