Bhubaneswar: The Ratna Bhandar of Puri Srimandir will be opened today after a gap of 46 years. As part of the ritual, agyanmala (garland of consent) has been brought from Loknath Temple for the opening of the Ratna Bhandar. Servitors performed a special puja.
The sacred agyanmala, a prerequisite for the opening of the Ratna Bhandar, has been procured from the revered Lokanatha Temple. The temple servitors performed Maharudrabhisekh puja to obtain agyanmala and took out a procession towards the Jagannath Temple, to mark the commencement of the auspicious ceremony.
Notably, the Ratna Bhandar will be opened in the presence of the Shree Lokanath, Maa Lakshmi, Baba Lokanath, and Maa Bimla.
According to SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee, temporary restrictions will be implemented when the Committee members proceed to Ratna Bhandar. All gates except Singhadwara will be closed, and only authorized personnel and servitors will be permitted entry, as per the designated list. Additionally, Committee members will undergo security screening near Beherandwara, and the entire process will be videographed, adhering to the established Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
Meanwhile, a crucial meeting of the high-level committee is underway now, ahead of the opening of Ratna Bhandar. The meeting will focus on a detailed discussion of the standard operating procedure (SOP) and other key aspects, paving the way for the inspection and opening of Ratna Bhandar.
It is pertinent to note that to ensure transparency in the inventory of ornaments, assistance from the Reserve Bank of India has been sought. RBI representatives will be present to cooperate with the managing committee team. The Chief Administrator of the SJTA has been tasked with overseeing the process smoothly, said sources.
