Reopening of Ratna Bhandar: Puri Shankaracharya expresses displeasure, says no suggestions

Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati has expressed his displeasure over the recent developments surrounding the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar- the treasure trove of Lord Jagannath.

Puri Shankaracharya said that it would not be appropriate to comment on the matter as no one- the Managing Committee, the SJTA, the Odisha government or the servitors- has not sought his views.

Recently, the managing committee of Jagannath temple in Puri announced to recommend the Odisha government for allowing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to reopen and repair the Ratna Bhandar.

“I don’t want to throw stones in the dark. I had not got any information from the Managing Committee. The Committee, Odisha government and servitors want to stay away from me and hence commenting on the matter without knowing things is not appropriate," said the Puri Shankaracharya.

As per the decision, the Ratna Bhandar will be opened for repair works during Rath Yatra next year. On this, the Puri Shankaracharya said that he is unaware of such decision of the Managing Committee.

“Be it CM’s Secretary, Gajapati Maharaj, Managing Committee or others, it is not justified, especially on my part, to comment on the matter without knowing the facts and the situation. When I have been kept away from this and no suggestions sought, it is not just to speak on the matter,” he added.

Earlier, the ASI had issued a letter to the Chief Administrator of the SJTA to inspect the Ratna Bhandar. They requested to inspect the Bhandar during Rath Yatra when the Lords are out on their nine-day sojourn to the Gundicha Temple.

“After a detailed discussion, the managing committee agreed to send a recommendation letter to the State government to allow the ASI to inspect the Ratna Bhandar during the next Rath Yatra. Meanwhile, a technical committee will be formed which will include members of the managing committee, some servitors, and members of the ASI which will use modern survey mechanisms to assess the condition of the outer Ratna Bhandar,” Puri Collector had said on August 4.