Puri: After a long wait, the sacred Ratna Bhandar of the Shri Mandir in Puri will finally be opened tomorrow. The state government has given a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to the Shri Mandir administration to ensure a smooth and respectful process. Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan shared this information, expressing the significance of this event.
The Ratna Bhandar, a treasure vault of the temple, holds immense historical and religious value. To maintain its sanctity, specific guidelines have been set. According to the SOP, everyone involved must follow certain rituals. They will consume only sattvic food, which is pure and vegetarian. They are required to wear attire similar to that of the temple Sevayats, the priests who serve in the temple. Additionally, before entering the Ratna Bhandar, they must take an oath before Lord Lokanath, promising to keep all details confidential and not reveal any secrets about the treasures inside.
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced that the Ratna Bhandar opening process will commence tomorrow, following a high-level committee's SOP #Odisha pic.twitter.com/DZLUMDgK0Z
— OTV (@otvnews) July 13, 2024
Minister Harichandan emphasized the importance of these procedures to uphold the sacredness and tradition of the temple. "Everyone inside the Ratna Bhandar will adhere strictly to the prescribed procedures and arrangements," he stated.
Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the hereditary chief servitor of the temple, clarified his role in this process. "I have never entered the inner or outer Ratna Bhandar. Only the key to the outer Ratna Bhandar is with me. When needed, the manager or the secretary goes to open it," he explained.
The opening of the Ratna Bhandar is a rare and significant event, eagerly awaited by devotees and historians alike. It symbolizes the rich heritage of the Shri Mandir and the devotion of its followers. With the SOP in place, the state government and temple administration aim to ensure that this sacred process is conducted with the utmost respect and tradition.