Ratna Bhandar Reopening Nears as Supervisory Committee Finalises SOP

Puri: The long‑awaited reopening of Lord Jagannath’s Ratna Bhandar moved a step closer after the Supervisory Committee, chaired by retired Justice Biswanath Rath, met at the Shree Mandir Administration office in Puri and finalised the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the process.

The committee agreed to forward the SOP and schedule to the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee and subsequently to the Odisha government for approval.

Members underscored the importance of transparency, security, and adherence to temple traditions during the reopening and inventory exercise.

The Ratna Bhandar, located inside the 12th‑century Shree Jagannath Temple—one of Hinduism’s revered Char Dham sites—houses priceless jewels, gold, and silver offerings donated by devotees and royalty over centuries.

The inner chamber has remained sealed for decades, with the last major inventory conducted in 1978.

Growing demands for a fresh audit have intensified amid concerns over documentation and preservation.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has prioritised the reopening as part of broader efforts to modernise temple management while respecting rituals.

Responding to petitions, the Orissa High Court directed the formation of the supervisory committee to ensure a systematic, videographed inventory of the treasures.

The decision marks a significant moment in temple history, balancing tradition with modern governance and public accountability.