Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar to be opened today

The wait is finally going to be over as the process to open the Ratna Bhandar, the treasure trove of Lord Jagannath in Puri temple is all set to start from today. Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Saturday announced that the Ratna Bhandar opening process will start on July 14.

Odisha government on Saturday accepted the standard operating procedures (SOPs) recommended by the high-level committee constituted to supervise the process.

As per the official announcement, the SOP has been provided to the temple administration and the management committee to take the necessary steps for the opening of the Ratna Bhandar.

Importantly, a team has been formed under the leadership of the chief administrator. The team will have representatives of the RBI, representatives of ASI, servitors associated with ‘bhandar’, members of the managing committee and the high-level committee.

Ahead of the formal opening of the Ratna Bhandar, a crucial meeting of the high-level Committee is scheduled to be held at 10 am today.

"It is a big day for all of us. Only after the meeting to be held at 10 am, things will get clear. Our concern is the immediate repair of Ratna Bhandar as ASI had earlier recommended for it, says Sudarsan Pattnaik, member of the Committee.

Rajiv Sahu, another member of the Committee says, "Odisha govt has approved the SOP and it will present before the Committee today. Final touches and other aspects will be taken up after the meeting."

"We have surrendered before the Lord to give us strength to undertake the work. At the meeting, we will select members and process will start to enter the temple after 1 pm. Today, Ratna Bhandar will be opened," said Committee Chairman Justice Biswanath Rath ahead of the meeting.

SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee informed that steps are being taken for opening of Ratna Bhandar as per the SOP today.

"Special puja is being conducted. First meeting will be of the high-level Committee and SOP will be informed to all members. SOP has come on 3 aspects and phases- opening of Ratna Bhandar, shifting of valuables and inventory & valuation. Third aspect will not be done today," said Padhee.

The SJTA Chief Administrator further informed that when the Committee members will leave for Ratna Bhandar, there will be temporary restrictions. All others gates apart from Singhadwara will be closed. 

"All the authorised persons, servitors will be allowed inside as per list. The Committee members will be frisked near Beherandwara and entire proceedings will be videographed as per the SOP," he added.