Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar, the sacred treasury of the Lord Jagannath Temple, on Sunday after an extensive gap of 46 years. This significant event will involve a detailed inventory and necessary repairs conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The decision to reopen the Ratna Bhandar was recommended by a high-level committee, which highlighted the need for authorized personnel and a snake catcher to ensure safety during the process. The treasury was last opened in 1978, and its reopening has been a contentious political issue in Odisha, particularly during the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had pledged to reopen the treasury of this 12th-century shrine if they were elected to power in the state. The state law minister stated, "The state government is currently reviewing the legal and other aspects of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) recommended by the temple managing committee. The final decision will be announced on Saturday."

The administration of the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri falls under the jurisdiction of the state's law department. The temple managing committee has approved the proposals of a high-level panel led by former Orissa High Court judge Biswanath Rath, with some modifications to the SOPs, and has forwarded them to the government for final approval.

A 16-member high-level committee, formed by the state government, was tasked with inspecting the inner Ratna Bhandar and compiling an inventory of the ornaments and valuables stored within. This committee recommended the reopening of the treasury on July 14.

The reopening of the Ratna Bhandar is not just a routine administrative task; it is a moment of historical significance and spiritual importance for millions of devotees. The temple's treasures, which have been shrouded in mystery for nearly half a century, will once again see the light of day, offering an opportunity for inventory and preservation of these invaluable artifacts.

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