PURI: Excitement filled the air in
Puri town on Sunday as people eagerly awaited the unveiling of what’s inside the Ratna Bhandar, the sacred and spiritual treasury of Lord Jagannath, which is surrounded by many legends. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of apprehension and enthusiasm among the devotees during the opening of the treasury inside the Puri Jagannath Temple.
Many devotees visited Puri to witness the historic event apart from paying obeisance to the sibling deities at the Gundicha Temple. Curious pilgrims were standing in front of the Jagannath Temple to witness an array of activities on the occasion of the inventory of the treasury.
There were restrictions for people to enter the Jagannath Temple before the 11-member team entered to open the Ratna Bhandar. When new wooden chests were being taken to the Jagannath Temple, people could not resist taking photographs of the chests. They were inquiring from people standing in front of the temple about the chests.
Ranjan Kumar Swain, a devotee from Nayagarh, expressed his happiness over the opening of Ratna Bhandar. “We have been eagerly waiting for the day. All Odias should know the condition of the treasury of Lord Jagannath. I have come all the way from Nayagarh to witness the event,” said the youth.
Bimala Mohapatra, a senior citizen from Dhenkanal, said the inventory of the Lord’s treasury should be done in a transparent and systematic way. “I am feeling happy that Ratna Bhandar is opened for repairing and inventory. Lord Jagannath is our identity, and we are proud of our Lord,” she added.
Abhisek Das, an activist, said he had filed a PIL in the Orissa High Court in 2016 to open Ratna Bhandar. “In 2018, the high court had issued an order in favor of us. But the inventory process could not be started during the previous government because of the loss of the key to Ratna Bhandar’s inside room. I am happy that this new government has implemented the high court order. It’s a dream come true moment for Odias like me,” he added.
Some foreigners and non-Odias were among the curious devotees near the Puri Jagannath Temple. They were also witnessing the hustle and bustle outside the temple. “I have come to Puri for the Rath Yatra festival. When I knew about the opening of Ratna Bhandar of the sibling deities, I stayed back to feel the vibe outside the temple. I feel fortunate that I am here today,” said Mohini Basu, a devotee from Kolkata.