Puri Srimandir’s Ratna Bhandar Opening Date Likely To Be Announced Today

Puri : Speculations regarding the reopening of Ratna Bhandar have been rife since July 6 when Justice Biswanath Rath, who is heading the new Committee formed to supervise the reopening of Ratna Bhandar at Jagannath temple for repair and inventory of valuables, said that the decision regarding the opening of Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove) of Puri Srimandir will be taken in the next meeting on July 9.

It is believed that the kings of Puri had donated the precious stones, stone-studded crowns and other ornaments they brought with them after defeating different states in battle. Last time, the inventory of these valuables took more than 70 days. It is expected that this time the inventory will be completed comparatively in less time due to the availability of modern technology.

In 1805, the then Puri Collector Charles Grome made a list of the ornaments kept in the Ratna Bhandar. At that time, there were 1333 items including 74 types of ornaments. Similarly, it was mentioned that the Ratna Bhandar had 128 gold coins, 1297 silver coins, 106 copper coins and 24 ancient gold coins.

Then, another list was prepared in 1978. In the list, it was mentioned that the treasure trove had 454 types of gold ornaments weighing 12,883 ‘bhari’ and 293 types of silver ornaments weighing 22,153 ‘bhari’. The deities’ running treasure trove had eight types of gold items over 299 ‘bhari’ and 23 types of silver items weighing 2603 ‘bhari’.The inventory of these items is said to be a huge challenge before the committee.