Live Updates: Srimandir Ratna Bhandar to Open After 46 Years
The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha is gearing up for a historic event as it prepares to open the doors of its Ratna Bhandar, the treasure trove, after a gap of 46 years. This special occasion last took place in 1978. The Ratna Bhandar is known to house precious items, including ornate jewellery belonging to Lord Jagannath, Balram, and Subhadra. It consists of three chambers filled with significant quantities of gold and silver. The inner chamber alone holds 50.6 kg of gold and 134 kg of silver, while the outer chambers add up to 95 kg of gold and 19 kg of silver. The exact contents of these chambers are shrouded in mystery, particularly the innermost part known as "Rahasya." Ahead of the opening, unusual arrangements have been made due to local beliefs that snakes guard the treasures. Expert snake charmers and a medical team are on standby to ensure safety during the process. This cautious approach is aimed at protecting those involved in the opening ceremony. The temple administration, along with officials from the Reserve Bank of India and the Archaeological Department, will supervise the opening, which will be videographed for documentation purposes. This event is eagerly awaited not only for its historical significance but also for the immense cultural and spiritual value associated with the Jagannath Temple. The last attempt to open the Ratna Bhandar in 1985 faced challenges in updating the inventory due to complications, and since then, efforts have been ongoing to resolve the issues surrounding its opening. The event is expected to draw attention not just locally but nationally, highlighting the rich heritage of one of India's most revered temples.
Puri, July 14, 2024
Live Updates
10:30 AM
Preparations are underway for the opening of the Ratna Bhandar. Officials have gathered at the Srimandir temple, and the atmosphere is filled with anticipation.
11:00 AM
The President and Chief Administrator of the Treasury Supervision Committee have performed special worship at the Gundicha Temple, seeking blessings for a smooth process.
11:30 PM
Chairman Justice Biswanath Rath mentioned that 11 people will enter Ratna Bhandar, including two members from the inspection committee. He also said that the Chief Administrator of SJTA has asked for the key from the treasury.
12:34 PM
The temple is being cleared of devotees in preparation for opening the treasure vault. Five platoons of police officers are present inside the temple, and it has been thoroughly cleaned. The chests containing precious Ratnabhandar ornaments have been delivered: - Six specially crafted chests have just arrived. - These chests were transported by a person from Bhubaneswar using a truck. - The authorities had arranged for a total of 15 chests.
12:44 PM
The Snake Helpline team, under the leadership of Shubhendu Mallik, will be stationed inside the Temple. If a snake rescuer arrives, they will escort them inside.
1:00 PM
IAS Siddharth Shankar, the District Collector and District Magistrate of Puri, arrives at the Jagannath temple with the sacred key."
1:28 PM
The Ratna Bhandar will be opened on the 28th day of the designated month, starting with the outer chamber.
1:30 PM
CMO tweets about the opening of Ratnabhandara.
2.00PM
The second door of the treasure house open, and a team of 15 stepped inside.
2.25PM
Politician and ex-state President,INC, Niranjan Patnaik tweets.
3.00PM
After 46 years, the Ratnabhandara has finally been unlocked! The team ventured inside and relocated the outer jewels.
3.15PM
"The team that went in will share the details once they come out," said Odisha Law Minister, Prithiviraj Harichandan.
3.45PM
After Ratnabhandar is opened, a swarm of bats came rushing out. Bats were flying everywhere in large numbers.
5.00 PM
There have been reports of massive holes inside the treasury, which appear to have been created by rats. These rodents have made extensive tunnel-like burrows within the structure. On a related note, there is no fear of snakes in the treasury. Members of the snake helpline, led by Shubhendu Mallik, exited the temple today. Shubhendu shared their experience, stating, "We were kept on standby and waiting. We did not go inside; we were just waiting outside. Eventually, we were asked to leave." The 11-member team completed today's work and returned from the treasury. They opened and inspected both the outer and inner sections before wrapping up their tasks and heading back.