Narayan
Pattanaik, Puri, Odisha, Voice 9: The temple management has submitted an
affidavit before the Orissa High Court claiming that the Ratna Bhandar, which
was last opened in 1978, is secure. It is to be noted that the demand for the
reopening of Lord Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar (treasury) in Puri has grown
throughout the state. Previously, the Archaeological Survey of India, which is
in charge of maintaining Odisha's Sri Jagganath Temple, had requested the state
government to reopen the Ratna Bhandar for physical inspection.
Notably, the Ratna Bhandar remained
closed for 44 years, despite the fact that the Sri Jagannath Temple Act of 1955
requires a three-year examination of the Ratna Bhandar.
Shree Jagannath Temple
Administration (SJTA) allegedly said in the affidavit that the Ratna Bhandar of
the 12th century temple was opened and a comprehensive inventory was completed
in 1978. It was believed that the treasury had around 149 kilograms 460 grams
of gold and 184 kg of silver.
The affidavit submitted by the SJTA Administrator (Niti)
further stated that the Ratna Bhandar had three chambers. The inner chamber
ornaments are never utilized. Similarly, those from the outer chamber are used
during festivities. The ornaments maintained in the present room are used for
the sister deities' daily rituals.
The Ratna Bhandar's inner chamber has 50 kg 600 grams of gold
decorations and 134 kg 50 grams of silver ornaments.
Similarly, the outer compartment has 95kg of
gold jewelry and 320 kilos of silver ornamentation. During various festivals,
ornaments housed in the outer room are utilized for the sibling deities. While
performing, around 3kg of gold and 30kg of silver jewelry are utilized. The next High Court hearing will be held on August 14.
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