The Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha, recently witnessed a historic event as the inner chamber of its treasury, Ratna Bhandar, was opened for audit after 46 years. The temple, dating back to the 12th century, is known for its rich collection of gold ornaments, silver utensils, and other valuable items. The last audit in 1978 reported over 149.6kg of gold ornaments fitted with precious stones, 258.3kg of silver utensils, and more.
The reopening of the Ratna Bhandar was overseen by a 12-member team, including officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the state government, and temple trust representatives. The team encountered three locks on the inner chamber that had to be broken as the original keys were unusable. Despite not opening the wooden chests inside the inner chamber immediately, the valuables were shifted to a temporary strong room inside the temple premises.
The missing keys to the Ratna Bhandar’s inner chamber had been a matter of contention since 2018, sparking public outrage and a judicial probe. The recent opening of the treasury became a focal point during the state’s assembly elections, with the BJP emphasizing the ‘Odia Asmita’ (Odia pride) and promising an audit if voted to power.
The treasury’s folklore involving mythical snakes guarding the riches added an element of superstition to the proceedings. However, no snakes were found during the opening, dispelling the fears. The rich collection housed in the Ratna Bhandar includes gold ornaments, diamond jewellery, silver items, and more, offering a glimpse into the opulence of the Jagannath temple’s history.
This significant event reflects a blend of tradition, history, and politics, underscoring the cultural importance of the Jagannath temple and its treasures. The reopening of the Ratna Bhandar after almost five decades symbolizes a step towards transparency, accountability, and reverence for the heritage of one of India’s most revered religious sites.
