Puri: The Ratna Bhandar of Puri Srimandir is likely to be opened on the 8th of July for inventory, which will continue for 20 days till 27th of July. A meeting of the Ratna Bhandar monitoring committee is scheduled for 5th of August.
The opening of the temple’s Ratna Bhandar was a major issue during the elections. The BJP accused the BJD government of intentionally not opening the Ratna Bhandar, alleging that the key had been taken to Tamil Nadu by the BJD, a claim made by PM Modi during his campaign.
It was declared that the Ratna Bhandar would be opened after the the new government comes to power. The ASI also mentioned the impending opening during the Rath Yatra. However, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced that a decision would be made after further discussions.
The matter of the Ratna Bhandar’s opening is currently with the High Court. The Court has requested an affidavit from the previous government. Replying to the Court, former administration mentioned that measures to open the Ratna Bhandar would be taken during the 2024 Rath Yatra, and a monitoring committee was established, led by retired Supreme Court Justice Arijit Pasayat.
As per the new government’s resolution, the committee, under Justice Pasayat’s chairmanship, will convene on the 5th, with plans to initiate the opening of the Ratna Bhandar from the day after Srigundicha, on August 8th. During this period, the inventory of the treasury’s jewels will be conducted and recorded.
