July 14th 2024.
The Ratna Bhandar, a treasure trove within the 12th-century Jagannath temple in the beautiful city of Puri, has been locked away for 46 years. However, after much anticipation and preparation, the Odisha government has finally decided to open its doors for a thorough inventory of its precious valuables and much-needed repairs to its structure.
According to the chairman of the committee formed by the state government, Justice Biswanath Rath, the Ratna Bhandar will be unlocked at 1:28 pm today. This decision was made during a meeting of the committee in Puri, and members of the committee, including the chief administrator Arabinda Padhee, will visit the treasury after its reopening.
As a former Orissa High Court judge, Justice Rath has also confirmed that a designated temporary location has been chosen to store the valuables while the repairs are being carried out. The traditional ritual of 'Agnya' was performed earlier in the morning to seek approval for the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar. The committee members will then enter the shrine at noon, dressed in traditional attire, to officially reopen the treasury.
Before the actual reopening takes place, the committee will seek approval from Goddess Bimala, the owner of the treasury, and Lord Lokanath, its caretaker. Justice Rath and Padhee also offered prayers at the Gundicha temple in the morning, seeking blessings for the successful completion of the inventory and repair works.
Padhee has also shared that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been put in place for the entire process. These include one for the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar, one for the management of the temporary treasury, and one for the inventory of the valuables. However, the actual inventory work will only begin once the government approves the engagement of valuers, goldsmiths, and other experts.
In addition, the government has also decided to create a digital catalogue of the valuables in the Ratna Bhandar, detailing their weight and make. The Archaeological Survey of India Superintendent, DB Gadanayak, has confirmed that a team of structural, mechanical, and civil engineers will inspect the treasury for any necessary repairs. Meanwhile, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force personnel have already entered the temple premises with lights to be installed inside the Ratna Bhandar.
There are also concerns about the presence of snakes inside the treasury, and as a safety measure, the Snake Helpline team has been called in to assist. According to member Subhendu Mallick, two teams of snake catchers will be present, one inside and one outside the temple, to ensure the safety of all involved.
Overall, the government has taken all necessary precautions to ensure a smooth and successful inventory and repair process for the Ratna Bhandar. It is a significant event for the city of Puri and the entire state of Odisha, and we can only hope for a positive outcome.
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