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The Untold Mystery of Puri Jagannath Temple Ratna Bhandar

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If you’ve ever been mesmerized by the grandeur of the Puri Jagannath Temple, then wait till you hear about its most secretive and sacred part — the Ratna Bhandar. Indeed, tucked away behind the temple’s ornate walls lies a chamber that has fascinated devotees, historians, and even governments for decades.

In this blog, therefore, we’ll take a spiritual yet insightful journey into the Puri Jagannath Temple Ratna Bhandar, exploring its hidden wealth, legendary history, and why it continues to be one of India’s most enigmatic temple treasuries.

What is Ratna Bhandar?

The Ratna Bhandar (literally “Gem Treasury”) is the official vault of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. Indeed, it holds centuries’ worth of donations—gold ornaments, rare gemstones, silver utensils, and sacred jewelry offered by kings, emperors, and lakhs of devotees from all across the world.

Moreover, it’s not just a treasury. It’s a symbol of collective faith.

Where is the Ratna Bhandar Located?

The Ratna Bhandar is situated on the northern side of the Jagamohan (main sanctum) of the temple. It consists of two separate chambers:
  • Bahar Bhandar (Outer Chamber) – Used for daily and ceremonial ornaments. 
  • Bhitar Bhandar (Inner Chamber) – Contains the most precious jewels, untouched for decades.

History That Glitters: Contributions by Kings & Devotees

As per Madala Panji, King Anangabhima Dev donated 2,50,000 Madhas of gold for crafting ornaments of Lord Jagannath (1 Madha ≈ 5.83 grams).


Furthermore, over time, the Suryavamsi rulers, especially Gajapati Kapilendra Dev in 1466 AD, gifted countless jewel-encrusted items. Notably, devotees still use some of these treasures today.


In addition, even in 1926, Gajapati Ramachandra Dev IV officially recorded and preserved a list of 837 such items in government archives, acknowledging that he had received hundreds of them.

How Do Authorities Protect Ratna Bhandar Today?

The Sri Jagannath Temple Act, 1954 regulates the safety and usage of the Ratna Bhandar. Items are classified into 3 categories:

Category I:

Never-used items (stored in the inner chamber under double lock, accessible only by government order).

Category II:

Ceremonial-use jewelry (used on Rath Yatra and special occasions, supervised by temple authorities).

Category III:

Daily-use items (like crowns and garlands, handled by Bhandar Mekap under strict protocols).

Inventory Controversy: Why the Mystery Still Remains

  • Despite being a treasure trove, proper verification of the Bhitar Bhandar hasn’t been done for decades. Attempts were made in:
    • 1962–64 (602 items verified),
    • 1967 (433 items checked),
    • 1978 (full inventory done under Governor’s Committee).
    Yet, many reports were incomplete or never acted upon. Even today, no one truly knows what lies within the sealed inner chamber.

People Also Ask: Let’s Answer the Most Googled Questions

What is inside the Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath Temple?

The Ratna Bhandar contains gold crowns, necklaces, precious stones, silver utensils, and spiritual ornaments of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Additionally, some weigh hundreds of tolas.

Why don’t they open Ratna Bhandar?

Legal, religious, and security concerns—especially since no one has opened the inner chamber in over 35 years—require the State Government to approve any opening.

Who has the keys to the Ratna Bhandar?

Temple officials hold the keys for the outer treasury. Meanwhile, the State Government Treasury securely stores the keys for the inner chamber under double-lock.

Is there a plan to reopen the Ratna Bhandar?

There have been talks and public demands, but no official confirmation. Safety, conservation, and religious sanctity are the top concerns.

Can devotees donate to the Ratna Bhandar?

Yes! Offerings can be made through the Hundi and special donation boxes placed within the temple, many of which contribute to the treasury.

The Hundi System: Modern Offerings, Ancient Faith

A Hundi (offering box) was installed in 1983. Till 2009, it collected:
  • 980 grams of gold
  • 50+ kg of silver

Devotees also offer ornaments directly during Sahan Mela Darshan or Parimanik Darshan, often placing them at the Ratna Simhasan.

But the real question is: Are these being added to Ratna Bhandar, or stored elsewhere? Transparency is still a concern.

Why Transparency Matters Today More Than Ever

Devotees across the world continue to offer their valuables with pure faith. It is essential for temple authorities to:
  • Conduct regular audits,
  • Ensure proper record-keeping,
  • Share transparent reports with the public.
This will strengthen public trust and preserve the spiritual and cultural sanctity of the Jagannath Temple.

Ratna Bhandar Opened After 46 Years: A Historic Moment for Devotees

In a monumental development, officials recently opened the Ratna Bhandar of Puri Jagannath Temple after 46 long years, stirring immense curiosity and devotion among millions of followers. The government and temple authorities initiated this historic move under strict supervision and protocols to assess the structural condition of the inner treasury (Bhitar Bhandar) and to ensure the safety of the priceless ornaments stored within.

According to Odisha Review, temple officials previously opened the Ratna Bhandar for verification in 1962–1964, 1967, 1977, and 1978. During the last official inventory conducted in 1978, they recorded:

  • 454 gold articles weighing a total of 12,838 bhori (≈128.38 kg)
  • 293 silver articles weighing 22,153 bhori (≈221.53 kg) (Note: 1 bhori = 11.66 grams)

Although the treasury holds immense wealth, authorities have not made any full inventory or valuation public since then, which makes this recent opening even more significant. While officials did not remove or display any items, they confirmed that the chamber still contains invaluable gold, silver, and gemstone ornaments, securely stored and sealed.

This long-awaited inspection has revived public demand for complete transparency and a fresh inventory, as devotees believe that temple authorities should preserve this divine treasury with the utmost integrity. The recent access has not only strengthened trust but also rekindled national interest in the Puri Jagannath Temple Ratna Bhandar and its spiritual legacy.

Final Thoughts: Ratna Bhandar Is More Than Gold — It’s Devotion

The Puri Jagannath Temple Ratna Bhandar is not just a vault—it’s a living testimony of unwavering faith, divine blessings, and centuries of devotion. While the gold and jewels are priceless, the spiritual energy and cultural legacy stored within are even more precious.
Puri CTA – Clean Version

If you ever visit Puri, do more than just pray.

Reflect on the history, contribute with devotion, and raise awareness for transparent preservation of our sacred treasures.

👉 Share this blog with friends and family to spread awareness about the Ratna Bhandar.

👉 Comment below if you believe it’s time to open and audit the Bhitar Bhandar.

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