Puri: Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb on Thursday expressed that the Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath Temple requires repairs.
He also announced that the transfer of ornaments and treasures from the Bhitara Ratna Bhandar (inner chamber) of the Puri Jagannath temple has commenced and is expected to conclude by evening.
The Puri King, who joined the high-level committee for the second phase of the Ratna Bhandar’s opening, expressed hope that with the Lord’s blessings, the transfer would be finished by evening in time for the preparations for the Holy Trinity’s Niladri Bije, which starts tomorrow.
The treasures of Lord Jagannath are being relocated to the ‘Khatasheja room’ within the Srimandir complex, which has been transformed into a ‘temporary strong room or temporary Ratna Bhandar.’
Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb confirmed that the almirahs and chests within the Ratna Bhandar’s inner chamber are secure, and the relocation process is underway.
“A high-security system and special secure doors are in place at the temporary strong room. Today, all the ornaments and valuables will be stored inside, and then the room will be locked and sealed. According to Temple Rules, the SJTA chief administrator will deposit the keys in the treasury,” the Puri King explained.
He further informed that the inner and outer chambers of the Ratna Bhandar must be emptied before high-end equipment and scanners are employed to ensure nothing is overlooked. The chambers will be entrusted to the ASI for essential repairs, which are of utmost importance, only after the administration confirms they are empty.
Additionally, the Puri King assured that the rituals and darshan for devotees would continue without interruption, and the administration would facilitate the necessary arrangements.
In a discussion with reporters, the Puri King mentioned that the ASI’s repair work must be completed before the inventory process can commence, following the Standard Operating Procedure.
