The growing urgency to open the Ratna Bhandar, or treasure room, of the Jagannath Temple is gaining momentum. This sacred room within the temple has remained inaccessible for over three decades, sparking curiosity and concern amongst devotees and heritage custodians.
Understanding the Significance of Ratna Bhandar
The Ratna Bhandar is a quintessential element of the 12th century Jagannath Temple’s rich cultural faction. The chamber preserves centuries’ worth of precious ornaments belonging to the temple’s sibling deities – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. These prized possessions have been generously contributed by a long lineage of devotees and former kings who revered the spiritual significance of the temple.
The Ratna Bhandar is bifurcated into two primary areas: the Bhitar Bhandar (inner chamber), and the Bahara Bhandar (outer chamber). The outer compartment is accessed regularly for obtaining accessories for the deities during major rituals and festive occasions. In contrast, the inner chamber has remained untouched and unseen for the past 38 years.
Concerns Underpinning the Demand for Access
The rising call for opening the Ratna Bhandar stems primarily from concerns about its structural stability. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), who are the official custodians of this ancient place of worship, initiated a request for repair and preservation due to the potential threat posed by cracks in the chamber walls. Such structural vulnerabilities could endanger the invaluable ornaments housed within.
Exploring The Historical and Architectural Charm of Jagannath Temple
Nestled in the coastal town of Puri in Odisha, the Jagannath Temple stands as an exemplary architectural wonder. Revered as an abode for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, this sacred site traces its origins back to the 12th century. It was constructed under the reign of the illustrious Ganga Dynasty King, Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva.
Often referred to as the “White Pagoda,” the temple forms one of the four pilgrimage centers in the renowned Char Dham Pilgrimage. Its stunning design, representative of the Kalinga architectural style, is marked by distinctive curvilinear towers, exquisite carvings, and elaborate sculptures. Surrounded by a towering wall with four gates – each gate facing a cardinal direction – the temple complex is a sight to behold.
In Hindu mythology, the city of Puri is considered ‘Yamanika Tirtha,’ a place where the powers of ‘Yama’, the god of death, have been neutralized due to the omnipresence of Lord Jagannath.
Festivities Central to the Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple is the epicentre of several major religious festivals, each celebrating a unique spiritual lore associated with the deities. The prominent among these include Snana Yatra, Netrotsava, Rath Yatra, and Sayan Ekadasi. These festivals embody a rich tapestry of traditions that are integral to the religious culture of the temple and its devotees.
