Puri Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar Reopened To Move Treasures

The revered Ratna Bhandar (treasure chamber) of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, was reopened for the second time in a week. This reopening is aimed at shifting the historical valuables to a temporary strong room for safekeeping.

Officials said this is the first time the inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar is being accessed in 46 years. Previously, only the outer chamber was opened. The valuables are being meticulously moved to the “Khatasheja” (temporary strong room) under tight security measures.

After the shifting is complete, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will undertake necessary repairs on the Ratna Bhandar itself. Strict protocols are in place, with only authorized personnel allowed near the treasury during the process. CCTV surveillance and heightened security are ensuring the safe movement of the treasures.

Officials have deployed snake catchers and fire officers as a precaution, and devotees are not permitted inside the temple premises while the shifting is ongoing.