Ratna Bhandar of Lord Jagannath Temple Reopened After 46 Years

Social Issues Social Inequalities and exclusion

Posted by pallavi on 2024-07-15 05:30:00 |

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The Ratna Bhandar, the revered treasury of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, was reopened after 46 years on Sunday. A team of 11 members, including Orissa High Court judge Biswanath Rath, SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee, ASI Superintendent DB Gadanayak, and a representative of Puri's titular king, entered the treasury for the first time since 1978.

Precious Jewels and Treasures

The Ratna Bhandar houses invaluable gold and diamond jewelry offered to Lord Jagannath. Historically, Odisha's King Anangabhima Dev donated 2.5 lakh madhas of gold for the deity's ornaments. The treasury has two chambers: Bhitar Bhandar (Inner Treasury) and Bahar Bhandar (Outer Treasury). The outer chamber contains the suna mukuta, gold necklaces weighing 120 tolas each, Suna Sribhuja, and Sri Payar of Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra. The inner treasury holds 74 gold ornaments, each over 100 tolas, along with gold plates, diamonds, corals, pearls, and over 140 silver jewelry items.

Inventory and Structural Repairs

The reopening aimed to inventory the valuables and undertake structural repairs. The team transferred the valuables from the outer chamber to a temporary strongroom but did not inventory the items immediately due to time constraints. The keys to the inner chamber were missing, requiring the locks to be cut open.

Political and Historical Significance

The reopening has significant political and historical implications. The Ratna Bhandar was last opened for audit in 1978, revealing 454 gold articles and 293 silver items. The keys to the inner chamber became a political issue in 2018, prompting a judicial inquiry. The Chief Minister's Office highlighted the event as a momentous occasion for the Odia community, emphasizing their cultural identity and heritage.

The re-opening of the Ratna Bhandar marks a significant milestone, blending religious reverence, historical preservation, and political narrative. The treasures within continue to symbolize the rich cultural legacy of Odisha.

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