Bhubaneswar: Inside the majestic Jagannath Temple of Puri, Odisha, lies one of India's most mysterious chambers—the Ratna Bhandar, a treasury that has captured the imagination of devotees, historians, and treasure hunters alike. For centuries, this sacred vault has safeguarded priceless artifacts, jewels, and offerings made to Lord Jagannath, yet in recent years, it has become the center of controversy and speculation.
The Ratna Bhandar consists of two chambers—an outer chamber (Bahara Bhandar) used for regular transactions and an inner chamber (Bhitara Bhandar) opened only on extraordinary occasions. According to temple records, the treasury houses ornaments of gold and silver, precious stones, and artifacts dating back several centuries.
"The Ratna Bhandar represents not just material wealth but the devotion of generations," explains Dr. Rabindra Narayan Sahoo, a historian specializing in Odisha's cultural heritage. "Every ornament has a story, every jewel a history of royal patronage and public faith."
The treasury's legend grew in 2018 when a major controversy erupted after the Odisha government attempted an inventory assessment of the Ratna Bhandar. Officials were unable to access the inner chamber because the keys were reportedly missing. An alternative entrance was created by removing stones from a side wall, but only a partial assessment was conducted through visual inspection.
"What transpired that day raised more questions than answers," recounts Surya Narayan Ratha Sharma, a sevayat (temple servitor) who was present during the inspection. "The condition of the treasury was concerning—there were signs of water seepage and structural weakness, but the focus shifted entirely to the missing keys."
The last comprehensive inventory of the Ratna Bhandar was conducted in 1978, and before that in 1926, under British colonial administration. According to these records, the treasury contained over 12,000 bhari (a traditional unit of weight) of gold and silver ornaments, besides countless gemstones, including diamonds, emeralds, and rubies.
The mystery deepened when in May 2023, the Odisha government announced the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the missing keys of the inner chamber. This decision came after years of public pressure and litigation from devotees and heritage conservationists.
"The Ratna Bhandar isn't merely a treasury; it's the cultural heritage of Odisha and all of India," says Prafulla Mishra, an advocate who filed a public interest litigation demanding transparency about the Bhandar's condition. "Its contents belong to Lord Jagannath, not to any individual or government."
Temple lore includes fascinating accounts of the treasury's contents. During the Maratha invasion of Odisha in the 18th century, many valuable items were reportedly hidden or relocated. Some legends speak of underground passages connecting the Bhandar to secure locations, though no archaeological evidence supports these claims.
The architectural design of the Ratna Bhandar itself follows the temple's Kalinga style, with thick stone walls and limited ventilation to preserve the treasures. The chamber is situated in the north-eastern corner of the temple complex, between the Jagamohana (audience hall) and Natamandira (dancing hall).
"The structural integrity of the Ratna Bhandar needs immediate attention," warns Dr. Biswanath Rath, a conservation architect. "Any heritage structure of this age requires regular maintenance. Water seepage and possible structural weakness could threaten not just the treasures but the chamber itself."
The government's reluctance to conduct a full inventory has fueled speculation and conspiracy theories. Some believe the treasury may have been depleted over time, while others suggest it contains wealth beyond imagination.
Today, the Ratna Bhandar remains sealed as discussions continue about when and how to conduct a proper assessment. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has proposed a comprehensive conservation plan that includes strengthening the structure and creating proper inventory systems.
As Odisha's newly formed judicial commission begins its investigation, devotees hope for answers about both the missing keys and the actual state of the treasury. Until then, the Ratna Bhandar remains what it has been for centuries—a testament to faith, a repository of history, and one of India's most enduring mysteries.
For the millions who worship Lord Jagannath, the true treasure is not the gold or gems but the divine presence the temple houses. Yet, the story of the Ratna Bhandar continues to remind us that even sacred spaces are not immune to very human questions of accountability, preservation, and heritage.
