Puri: All the valuable ornaments and materials of the Sri Jagannath Temple have been permanently returned to the temple’s original Ratna Bhandar (treasure house) following its conservation and renovation. The operation, conducted in a news form, began at 10:55 am and was completed at 2:55 pm. This work was carried out in accordance with the Sri Jagannath Temple Rules-1960 and guidelines approved by the state government.
The transfer of the treasures marked the culmination of a process that began last year (2024) during the Rath Yatra. At that time, for maintenance and conservation purposes, the ornaments and materials from the original Ratna Bhandar (both internal and external) were temporarily shifted to various secure locations. The internal valuables were moved to the bed room and a temporary strongroom, while the external items were stored in the Changada and Phul Ghar.
On July 7, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) completed the maintenance and conservation of both the external and internal sections of the original Ratna Bhandar. Prior to today’s transfer, the newly renovated storage was finalized on the 19th.
The intricate process of shifting the valuables began in the early hours of the morning. As per established procedure and state government guidelines, members of the Ratna Bhandar Committee and other high-level committee members, dressed in traditional attire, entered the Jagmohan of the temple. The operation commenced with the blessings of Mahaprabhu.
The temporary inner strongroom was opened in the presence of a magistrate, using the key from the treasury. All the valuables were then meticulously moved to the permanent inner store. Once the transfer was complete, the original inner Ratna Bhandar was locked and sealed in the presence of the magistrate, and the keys were deposited in the district treasury.
Following this, the temporary outer store, the Changada Ghar, was opened. The key for this section was held by the Gajapati Maharaj, the temple administration, and the treasurer. All materials were then transferred to the newly renovated original outer store. After the transfer was completed, the original outer store was secured using all three keys. The entire process of transferring both the inner and outer treasures was also videographed for documentation.
After the successful completion of the work, all committee members had darshan of Mahaprabhu and paid their respects. Following a security check, the members left the Jagmohan.
Dr. Arbinda Kumar Padhee, the Chief Administrator of the Shrimandir, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the smooth execution of this important task.
Dr.Padhee thanked the State Government, the Shrimandir Management Committee, its Chairman Shri Gajapati Maharaja, the High Level Committee and its members, the Niyog community, ASI officers and employees, Shrimandir employees, district and police administration, the media, and the countless devotees of Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu.
Dr.Padhee acknowledged their unwavering cooperation and guidance, even amid darshan restrictions, which enabled the successful completion of the entire process.