Puri, Odisha: Historic opening of Puri Jagannath’s gem vault after 46 years

In a landmark event, the Ratna Bhandar of Puri Jagannath Temple was opened today for the first time since 1978. The auspicious occasion saw the doors of the vault being unlocked at precisely 1:28 PM, as announced by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Mazi.

The anticipation surrounding the opening of the Ratna Bhandar was immense, with millions of devotees eagerly awaiting the revelation of the temple's treasures. Due to the inability to use the original key, a cutter was employed to break the lock, allowing the doors to be opened.

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In a dramatic turn of events, SP Pinak Mirsha, present at the site, fainted as the doors were being opened. Immediate medical attention was provided on the spot, and he was subsequently escorted outside by security personnel. His sudden collapse added an unexpected twist to the historic occasion.

A specially constituted 11-member committee oversaw the opening of the Ratna Bhandar. Large boxes were brought in to catalog the gold and silver ornaments stored within the vault. Preliminary reports suggest the presence of over 12,838 pieces of gemstone jewelry, 454 gold items weighing 221.53 kg, and more than 22,000 silver items totaling 293 kg. The vault also houses unique pieces adorned with precious stones, crowns, and thrones of former kings.

The event has captivated the attention of devotees and historians alike, as the rich treasures of the Jagannath Temple, one of the holiest religious centers on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, are unveiled. The Odisha CM confirmed the opening of the doors through social media, marking a historic moment in the temple's storied legacy.

This significant event not only highlights the temple's opulence but also underscores its spiritual and cultural importance, as the world looks on in awe at the treasures revealed within Jagannath's legendary Ratna Bhandar.