Puri Srimandir’s Ratna Bhandar to be opened after 34 years

Puri: The treasure trove of Lord Jagannath, the 'Ratna Bhandar' inside the Puri Srimandir will be opened after a gap of nearly 34 years.

All the precious gold and silver ornaments of the three sibling deities of Puri Srimandir are stashed inside 'Ratna Bhandar'.

The decision to open the 'Ratna Bhandar' was taken at the first meeting of the reconstituted managing committee of the temple on Tuesday.

The chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Pradeep Jena informed that the decision to open the 'Ratna Bhandar' has been taken to assess its structural condition.

“Archeological Survey of India (ASI) will be asked to examine whether 'Ratna Bhandar', which is an extension of the 'Jagamohan', is structurally safe or not,” said Jena.

Jena further informed that the repair work of 'Ratna Bhandar' will be taken up first as its condition is expected to be more ‘critical’ than the 'Nata Mandap.' Such a decision will be notified to the Orissa High Court through an affidavit on March 22, he added.

As per official records, Puri Srimandir’s 'Ratna Bhandar' was opened last time in 1984.

“We want that all gold and other ornaments should not be taken out of the 'Ratna Bhandar.' All the repair works should be taken up under strict security measures,” senior servitor Krushna Khuntia said.