Ratna Bhandar likely to open on July 14, says Law Minister

Bhubaneswar, July 11: The Odisha government has announced that the Ratna Bhandar, a treasure trove of the 12th century Shree Jagannath Temple, is likely to be opened on July 14, Sunday. This decision comes after the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee submitted a proposal, which will be examined from various angles before a final decision is made.

Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan confirmed that the government will review the proposal and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) suggested by the 16-member high-level committee headed by Justice Biswanath Rath. The SOP includes the proposal to open the Ratna Bhandar on July 14 for inventory and conservation purposes.

Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Vir Vikram Yadav, stated that the managing committee's recommendation will be sent to the government for approval. Once approved, the Ratna Bhandar will be opened on July 14, following the suggested SOP.

The Justice Biswanath Rath Committee had previously proposed reopening the Bahara (outer) and Bhitara (inner) enclosures of the Ratna Bhandar on July 14, pending government approval. The government's decision is expected to bring clarity to the matter soon.