Historic Opening of Mahaprabhu Jagannath's Ratna Bhandar After 46 Years

byRabindra Kumar Pradhan -

Photo credit: pexel.com













Puri, Odisha – After a wait of 46 years, the legendary Ratna Bhandar, the treasure house of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, has been opened. For the first time, even the inner Ratna Bhandar has been unlocked, putting an end to years of speculation and belief about its contents. Many devotees believed that the divine Lord Lokanath was protecting this treasure. 

After 46 years, the Ratnabhandara has finally been unlocked! The team ventured inside and relocated the outer jewels. 

The Ratna Bhandar was reopened on Sunday for the first time in 46 years to inventory the precious items stored inside and to assess the structure for necessary repairs.  

There were also rumors that the government was interfering with the Lord's affairs. However, the people of Odisha have always had unshakable faith in Lord Jagannath, believing that nothing happens without His will. They see Him as the creator and sustainer of the universe. It’s a common belief that without His blessing, no one could tamper with His treasure. 

Justice Vishwanath Rath, Chairman of the Ratna Bhandar Inspection Committee, expressed that only through deep devotion and dedication was this opening possible. He described the event as a divine act. Justice Rath and his team spent 9 to 10 hours inside the Ratna Bhandar, working without feeling hunger or fatigue, which he attributed to Lord Jagannath’s grace. 

Inside the Ratna Bhandar, they found gold ornaments and various royal war materials. Justice Rath mentioned that these included spears, shields, and other weapons, some of which were used by the Gajapati kings during their conquests. Although some items had turned black with age, their exact materials are yet to be identified. 

Justice Rath also pointed out that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the Ratna Bhandar's repair and inspection. All treasures have been securely relocated to another safe place, and the ASI will begin their inspection soon. They will also check the quality of the jewelry found inside. 

Despite initial fears, the inspection went smoothly. Justice Rath mentioned that precautions were taken against potential dangers like snakes, and all activities were conducted under the Lord's guidance. An 11-member team discovered four cupboards, three chests, and a cot inside the inner Ratna Bhandar. These items have been moved temporarily for safety. 

According to legend, King Kapilendra Deva once brought back 16 elephants loaded with jewelry from his southern conquests and offered them to Lord Jagannath. Many Gajapati kings conquered various states and brought back treasures, believed to be stored in the Ratna Bhandar. 

The most intriguing revelation came from the Gajapati, who, after inspecting the Ratna Bhandar, did not deny the existence of a tunnel inside. He said that ASI’s laser scanning would reveal all the details, adding another layer of mystery to the already fascinating Ratna Bhandar.

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