Ratna Bhandar to be opened after 1 PM: Justice Biswanath Rath

The Ratna Bhandar of Srimandir will be opened after 1 PM, informed Justice Biswanath Rath, the chairman of the high-level committee on Saturday. 

In an exclusive interview with OTV, Justice Rath informed, “Since the auspicious time will be after 1 PM tomorrow, the Ratna Bhandar will be opened after 1 PM.”

“It has been decided that the Ratna Bhandar will be opened tomorrow. It will be sometime between 1 PM and 1.30 PM.  Among others, there will be members of the managing committee, two members of our committee, an ASI member, the district Collector and the servitors who are in charge of the Ratna Bhandar like ‘Bhandar Mekap’ and ‘Tadau Karan’. There will also be a medical team and snake helpline members on standby. They won’t go inside the treasure trove. If required, they will be allowed,” he said. 

“The key of the Ratna Bhandar is no longer an issue. As it has been decided, if required, the lock will be broken. It is also a fact that the lock has not been opened for years. The possibility of the lock gathering rust is also high. So the key is no longer an issue. The Ratna Bhandar will be opened whatever may be the situation. For breaking the lock, a lock-breaking group has been requisitioned,” he said. 

“The temple authorities have earmarked two places on the premises of Srimandir. The ‘sinduks’ will be properly sealed before their shifting to the places identified. The entire process will be video-graphed. But that will be not for public purpose but for record purpose,” he added.

After the high-level committee meeting concluded, SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee said, "We will be going inside the temple to take stock of the preparations. The exact timing of the opening of the Ratna Bhandar will be communicated tomorrow."

Justice Biswanath Rath said, "There is a meeting tomorrow morning. There are certain processes after all of it is wrapped up, we will proceed toward opening the Rathna Bhandar with the consent of the Lord. We are waiting to figure out an auspicious moment. We will let you know once we have finalised the same."