PURI: A high-level committee, responsible for overseeing the inventory of valuables in the 'Ratna Bhandar' of Puri Jagannath temple, has decided to recommend reopening the inner chamber of the treasury on July 14. This decision was made during a meeting held in Puri, as announced by Justice Biswanath Rath, the committee's chairman, on Tuesday.

"We have unanimously decided that the committee would request the government to reopen the inner chamber of the 'Ratna Bhandar' on July 14," said Justice Rath. The 'Ratna Bhandar' was last opened in 1978, 46 years ago.

The chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), who also serves as the panel's member convenor, was asked to present the duplicate key of the 'Ratna Bhandar' during the meeting. However, the SJTA administration could not produce the key as they were occupied with the Rath Yatra festivities. The chief administrator has now been instructed to submit the key on July 14.

"If the duplicate key does not function, we have decided to open the treasury by breaking the lock," Justice Rath stated.

The committee discussed several standard operating procedures (SOPs) necessary for creating an inventory of the ornaments and repairing the 'Ratna Bhandar'. According to Rath, the minutes of the meeting will be sent to the temple managing committee, which will forward it to the government for approval. Once approved, the 'Ratna Bhandar' can be opened.

Reopening the temple treasury has been a significant political issue in Odisha, particularly during the recent elections. The BJP had pledged to reopen the 'Ratna Bhandar' for essential repairs and to create an inventory if they came to power.

"A consensus was reached that the ornaments and other valuable items of Lord Jagannath will be moved to a designated place within the temple premises during the repair work of the treasury," Justice Rath explained.

Creating the inventory of ornaments and jewelry is expected to be a time-consuming process, requiring substantial logistical support from the state government. "We will examine the nature, character, and weight of the ornaments," Rath added.

After consulting all panel members, the SOPs will be prepared and sent to the government for approval, ensuring that the rituals and darshan of the deities are not disrupted.

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