There are long-standing tales and folklore suggesting that the Ratna Bhandar is guarded by venomous snakes, including king cobras.
The Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove) of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, which has been shrouded in mystery for decades, is about to reveal its secrets.
The treasure trove is set to re-open on July 14 after a whopping four decades of being sealed shut. Imagine the anticipation-the Ratna Bhandar is like the temple’s own version of a hidden treasure chest, filled with precious ornaments donated by devotees and erstwhile kings over centuries.
The Ratna Bhandar is divided into two chambers-the outer one (Bahara Bhandar) and the inner one (Bhitara Bhandar). While the outer chamber occasionally sees the light of day during special rituals (like the dazzling Suna Besha during the annual Rath Yatra), the last full inventory of the treasury was conducted way back in 1978.
Now, the stars have aligned, and the decision to open the inner chambers has been made. The committee, led by former Orissa High Court judge Justice Biswanath Rath, has reached a consensus: July 14 is the day!
Even if the keys are a bit rusty, they’re going to unlock those gates anyway. The inventory will be shifted into a makeshift Ratna Bhandar on the same day, all under the watchful eyes of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration.
These stories have been passed down through generations, adding an element of mystique and fear. The fear of snakes at the shrine in Puri stems from both legend and practical concerns.
During recent beautification projects around the temple, snakes have been spotted in the vicinity. This has heightened concerns that snakes might have found their way into the Ratna Bhandar through small holes and cracks in the ancient structure.
Given the age of the temple and the potential for snakes to inhabit such spaces, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) is taking no chances. They are preparing by enlisting a skilled snake charmer and having a medical team on standby with a comprehensive medicine kit to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
These measures reflect a blend of respect for tradition and practical safety considerations. The anticipation of uncovering ancient treasures is balanced with the need to mitigate any risks posed by possible snake encounters.
COMMENTS