While the demand for the opening of Srimandir Ratna Bhandar is gathering pace, it has been revealed in the affidavit submitted by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) at the Orissa High Court that the Ratna Bhandar was last opened in 1978.
As per the affidavit, the Srimandir’s treasure trove was opened in 1978 and then the ornaments were counted. Then it was estimated that the Ratna Bhandar had 149 kilograms 460 grams gold and 184 kilograms of silver.
In the affidavit submitted by the SJTA Administrator (Niti), it has also been mentioned that there are three chambers in the Ratna Bhandar. The ornaments kept in the inner chamber are never used. Similarly, the ornaments of the outer chamber are used on the occasions of festivals. And for the daily rituals of the deities, the ornaments kept in the current chamber are used.
As per the affidavit, the inner chamber has 50 kilograms 600 grams gold and 134 kilograms and 50 grams silver. While the outer chamber contains 95 kilograms and 320 grams of gold and 19 kilograms 480 grams silver, the current chamber has 3 kilograms 480 grams gold and 30 kilograms and 350 grams silver.
Notably, earlier Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb and Lord Jagannath’s chief badagrahi Jagannath Swain Mohapatra had demanded for reopening of the Ratna Bhandar.