What all Ratna Bhandar or treasure trove of Puri Lord Jagannath temple has?

Today, all eyes are on what decision the high-level Committee reconstituted by the Odisha government takes regarding the reopening of Puri Srimandir’s Ratna Bhandar, the treasure trove of Lord Jagannath.

The second meeting of the Committee headed by Justice Biswanath Rath to supervise the inventorisation of valuables including jewellery stored in the Puri Srimandir’s Ratna Bhandar is being held today, July 9.

Everyone is eagerly waiting for the final decision regarding the opening of the Ratna Bhandar as they want to know what the treasure trove of the Lord of the Universe has, and whether they are safe or not.

As per legends, the kings of Puri had earlier donated precious stones, stone-studded crowns and other ornaments they brought with them after defeating different states in battle. Last time, the inventory of these valuables at Ratna Bhandar took more than 70 days.

Owing to massive technological advancements, it is expected that this time, the inventory will be completed comparatively in less time.

What's Inside Ratna Bhandar of Puri Srimandir?

In 1805, the then Puri Collector Charles Grome made a list of the ornaments kept in the Ratna Bhandar. At that time, there were 1333 items including 74 types of ornaments.

Similarly, it was mentioned that the Ratna Bhandar had 128 gold coins, 1297 silver coins, 106 copper coins and 24 ancient gold coins. Subsequently, another list was prepared in 1978.

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In the list, it was mentioned that the treasure trove had 454 types of gold ornaments weighing 12,883 ‘bhari’ and 293 types of silver ornaments weighing 22,153 ‘bhari’. Besides, the deities’ running treasure trove had eight types of gold items over 299 ‘bhari’ and 23 types of silver items weighing 2603 ‘bhari’.