On July 14, 2024, amidst the fervor of the Rath Yatra festival, a long-held secret of Puri’s Lord Jagannath Temple was unveiled—the Ratna Bhandar, the temple’s storied inner vault, was opened for the first time in 46 years. This momentous event unfolded after meticulous preparations and numerous attempts over the decades to access the treasure trove within.
A Historic and Spiritual Milestone
The Ratna Bhandar, an integral part of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is famed for its enigmatic history and sacred treasures. The vault’s reopening is a significant event not only due to its historical and spiritual significance but also because it represents a rare glimpse into the Puri Jagannadh temple’s opulent past.
Justice Biswanath Rath, the chairman of the committee overseeing this historic event, emphasized the spiritual protocols observed prior to the vault’s reopening. According to Rath, approval was sought from Goddess Bimala and Goddess Laxmi, the owner and caretaker of the treasury, respectively. This step underscores the deep-rooted spiritual customs intertwined with the temple’s administration.
Highlights of Puri Jagannadh Temple Ratna Bhandar
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | July 14, 2024 |
| Occasion | Reopening of Ratna Bhandar during the Rath Yatra festival |
| Location | Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha |
| Time Since Last Opening | 46 years |
| Committee Chairman | Justice Biswanath Rath |
| Vault Contents | Rare jewels including diamonds, gold, and precious gems |
| Historical Donations | King Anangabhima Dev donated 2.5 lakh madhas of gold |
| Types of Ornaments | 180 types including 74 varieties of pure gold ornaments; 140+ silver jewelry |
| Previous Inventory Details | 1978: 454 types of gold ornaments (12,883 bhari) and 293 types of silver ornaments (22,153 bhari) |
| Historical Inventory | 1805: List included 1,333 items (gold and silver coins) |
| Challenges | Failed attempts in 1980s and April 2018; missing keys and potential reptile threats |
| Process | Videography for documentation; use of duplicate keys; snake charmer and medical team on standby |
| Temple Gates | Reopened last month; represented by lions, tigers, elephants, and horses |
| Political Relevance | Criticized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for alleged mishandling |
| Annual Festival | Rath Yatra – chariot procession featuring Lord Jagannath, Lord Balbhadra, and Goddess Subhadra |
Ratna Bhandar Treasury
The Ratna Bhandar is reputed to house an extraordinary collection of treasures, including diamonds, gold, and precious gemstones. Historical accounts highlight its immense value. King Anangabhima Dev, a prominent benefactor, is said to have donated 2.5 lakh madhas of gold to create jewelry for the deities. As per the Odisha Review magazine’s 2022 article, the vault’s contents include 180 types of ornaments, among them 74 varieties of pure gold items, some weighing over 1.2 kg each. The collection also features gold plates, diamond-encrusted artifacts, and more than 140 pieces of silver jewelry.
Historical records from 1805 mention a detailed list of 1,333 items, including gold and silver coins, some of which have been lost to time. The last detailed inventory, conducted in 1978, revealed 454 types of gold ornaments and 293 types of silver ornaments, underscoring the vault’s vast and diverse collection.
A Chamber of Two Secrets: The Bhitara Bhandar and Bahara Bhandar
The Ratna Bhandar comprises two distinct chambers:
- Bhitara Bhandar (Inner Chamber): This heavily guarded sanctum houses the most precious and rarely used treasures. According to historical records, it contains over 180 types of ornaments, some crafted from pure gold and weighing over 1.2 kilograms.
- Bahara Bhandar (Outer Chamber): This section is opened more frequently, usually during festivals and the annual Rath Yatra (chariot procession), to adorn the deities in their resplendent attire.
Ratna bhandar re opening process
The process to open the Ratna Bhandar has been shrouded in complexity. The last comprehensive inventory in 1978 took over 70 days. Attempts to access the vault since the 1980s have been fraught with challenges, including failed attempts in April 2018 due to missing keys.
This latest attempt involved a carefully planned process, including videography to document the inventory for future reference. Special teams selected an auspicious time to unlock the vault, using duplicate keys as a precaution. Concerns about potential snake presence in the vault led to preparations involving a skilled snake charmer and a team of medical professionals.
Justice Biswanath Rath, who participated in the opening process, confirmed that there were no unusual findings, dismissing rumors of serpents within the vault.
The Temple’s Doors and Political Implications
In a symbolic gesture, all four gates of the Jagannath Temple, which had been closed since the COVID-19 pandemic, were reopened last month. These gates, representing various animals—lions, tigers, elephants, and horses—serve as a reminder of the temple’s historical and cultural grandeur.
The reopening of the Ratna Bhandar has also stirred political discourse. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the BJD-led Odisha government for alleged mishandling and lack of transparency regarding the vault’s inventory. They highlighted how political issues and controversies have overshadowed the temple’s sacred and historical significance.
A Cultural and Spiritual Legacy
The Jagannath Temple’s annual Rath Yatra remains a grand spectacle, drawing millions of devotees to Puri. The festival, featuring the chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balbhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, is a testament to the enduring cultural and spiritual heritage of the region.
As the Ratna Bhandar opens a new chapter in its storied history, it not only reveals the temple’s rich legacy but also reinforces the profound connection between spirituality and heritage in Odisha. This historic event marks a new beginning in the temple’s journey, blending centuries-old traditions with contemporary transparency and reverence.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The Ratna Bhandar is the inner treasury of the 12th-century Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, known for its collection of rare and valuable ornaments.
The vault was last opened in 1978 for an inventory check, and it has remained closed for 46 years until its recent reopening on July 14, 2024.
The reopening coincided with the Rath Yatra festival and was part of a significant historical and spiritual event, involving the temple’s management and state authorities.
The vault contains rare jewelry, including diamonds, gold ornaments, and precious gems. Historical records show it holds items such as 180 types of ornaments and extensive collections of gold and silver jewelry.
The event has been politically charged, with criticism directed at the Odisha government by national leaders for alleged mishandling of the vault’s inventory.
