Ratna Bhandar:

The Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha has been opened yesterday. After many efforts made by the state government, the Ratna Bhandar was opened yesterday. At the same time, special boxes were brought to the Sri Jagannath temple before the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar. Before the opening of the Ratna Bhandar, security has been tightened in the temple and surrounding areas. Along with this, many kinds of preparations have been made.

The chairman of the inspection committee gave information

Regarding this, Justice Biswanath Rath, chairman of the inspection committee, said, “As decided, and as was known to all, the government has already come up with the necessary SOP in three parts. One for opening the Ratna Bhandar, then for taking possession of the ornaments and valuables.

Today we called a meeting for the pre-allocated rooms inside the sanctum sanctorum in both the ‘Bhandaras’ in which we decided to go ahead with the inauguration and taking care of the ornaments. As per the discussion in the meeting and the suggestions of the ‘purohits’ and ‘Mukti Mandap’, the right time to open the Ratna Bhandar is 1:28 pm.

This process will be done with two sets of video recordings and there will be two authentications. It will be a challenge as we do not know the condition inside since it was last opened in 1985.”

Tight security system

Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra said, “We have made proper security arrangements keeping in mind all aspects. QRTs have been deployed at all important places. Apart from this, we have also made contingency arrangements and all plans are ready. The daily rituals at the temple will take place as usual. Only identified sevaks who are on duty today will be allowed inside the temple.”

CMO posted the information on X

Odisha CMO has also given information about the opening of Ratna Bhandar. In a letter issued by the CMO, it was written, ‘Jai Jagannath, O Prabhu! You are rhythmic. The whole world is troubled by your desire. You are the heartbeat of the orthodox nation. The best introduction of the identity and self-confidence of the Ordean caste.

As per your wish, today the Odonia community has started trying to move forward with its identity. As per your wish, first of all the four doors of the temple were opened. Today, 46 years after your will, that Ratna was opened with a great purpose. I firmly believe that this great work will be successful.

With your blessings, forgetting the differences of all orthodox caste, varna, colour, and above all politics, move forward to create a new identity of Odisha in the spiritual and material world, is my prayer.’