Opening of the Shrimandir Inner Treasury: 11-Member Team Begins Jewelry Transfer

Subscribe to Our WhatsApp Channel

Join Our Telegram Channel

Puri: Curiosity is growing among people as everyone wants to know what is inside the Shrimandir inner treasury. Today, a significant event took place when an 11-member team entered the inner treasury to begin the process of transferring the temple's jewelry and valuables. 

Before entering the Shrimandir, the chief administrator of the temple showed his respect by prostrating himself. Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, who usually enters the temple from the eastern gate, entered through the southern gate today for this special inspection of the inner treasury. 

At precisely 9:51 AM, according to the predetermined time, the inner treasury was opened. The almirahs and chests inside were unlocked, and the process of transferring the jewelry began. The valuables are being moved to the Khatashej house, where they will be securely stored. After placing all the items in their new location, the cabinets will be sealed, and the chief administrator will submit the keys to the treasury. In five days, a count and audit will be conducted to ensure everything is in order. 

Justice Biswanath Rath, head of the supervisory committee, shared his thoughts before entering the inner treasury. Later, after coming out, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb expressed his hope that the transfer process would be completed by this evening. 

The Gajapati Maharaja also mentioned that the inner treasury needs immediate repair. After the treasury is completely emptied, a laser scan will be conducted to confirm nothing is left inside. Once this is verified, the inner treasury will be handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for repairs. Both the inner and outer treasuries require urgent attention to prevent any further damage. 

These repairs must be carried out in such a way that they do not disrupt the rituals or inconvenience visitors. The chief administrator will determine the best time for the repairs after a thorough investigation. The ASI will then carry out the repairs within the specified timeframe. 

Once the repairs are completed, the counting and auditing of the jewelry will take place in the presence of the supervisory and management committees. No counting or auditing will be done until the repairs are fully completed. 

There have been rumors about hidden passages within the treasury. In response, Gajapati Maharaja mentioned that the ASI will use laser scanning to check for any hidden tunnels. Some believe there might be a tunnel from the inner treasury that was used for protection against invasions in the past. The mystery of this tunnel may be revealed through the scanning process. 

Interestingly, the story goes that Kapilendra Deb brought gems on the backs of 16 elephants. Since then, the treasury has faced nine attacks and lootings. The current efforts aim to protect and preserve the treasures for future generations.