First Achievement Of BJP In Odisha? Ratna Bhandar Of Puri Jagannath Temple Unlocked After 46 Years, Here's What Will Happen Now

The Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove) of the Puri Jagannath Temple was opened at 1:28 PM on Sunday (14 July) for the first time in over four decades as per a report by The Indian Express.

“Today, as per your (Lord Jagannath’s) wish, the Ratna Bhandar was opened after 46 years for a greater purpose,” stated a post on X from the Chief Minister’s Office.

After opening the treasury, an 11-member team, including the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the Puri Collector, the ASI Superintendent (Odisha circle), a member of the Ratna Bhandara sub-committee of the SJTA, two members from the supervisory panel formed by the Odisha government, a representative of Gajapati Maharaj and four temple servitors, entered.

Arbinda Padhi, chief administrator of SJTA has emphasised that ensuring the structural safety of the inner Ratna Bhandar is a priority, a task to be handled by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

During the repair, the jewels and valuables will be stored in wooden boxes and moved to two designated areas within the temple premises, which will be under 24/7 CCTV surveillance.

State Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan mentioned on Saturday that the Odisha government is seeking the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) assistance to ensure transparency in the inventory process.

The Odisha government had approved the proposal to open the treasure trove, years after a previous attempt was hindered by missing keys. After the BJP came to power, the treasure trove was opened.

The Ratna Bhandar houses precious ornaments of sibling deities — Lords Jagannath and Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra — donated by devotees and erstwhile kings over centuries.

It has two chambers: Bhitar Bhandar (inner chamber) and Bahara Bhandar (outer chamber). While the outer chamber is opened regularly for the Suna Besha (golden attire) ritual during the annual Rath Yatra and other major festivals, the last inventory was done in 1978. Although it was opened in 1985, no new inventory was conducted then.