Ratna Bhandar of Puri temple to be opened today

A “lock breaking group” will also be part of the team comprising representatives of temple managing committee, supervisory committee, servitors and Puri district administration, which will enter the lord’s treasury on Sunday.
Amid tales about serpents guarding the Ratna Bhandar, the administration said they will take help from members of snake helpline.

“The members of the snake helpline and medical team will not go inside the temple. They will remain on standby near the temple administration office located outside the 12th century shrine. If needed, their help will be taken,” said Justice Rath.

The precious ornaments of sibling deities — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra — donated by devotees and erstwhile kings over centuries are stored in the Ratna Bhandar of the temple. It has two chambers — Bhitar Bhandar (inner chamber) and Bahara Bhandar (outer chamber).

While the outer chamber is opened regularly to fetch ornaments for the deities during the Suna Besha (golden attire) — a key ritual during the annual Rath Yatra, and also during major festivals throughout the year — the last inventory of the lords’ treasury was done in 1978.