On July 14, after 46 years, the Ratna Bhandar, the temple treasury, will be opened for inventory by the Jagannath temple officials in Puri. The main worry is that there might be snakes around. To make sure everyone is secure, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) is looking for a qualified snake charmer. A medical team with a medicine kit will also be available on call.
“We have sent a draft SOP on the opening of Ratna Bhandar to the government for approval, where we have sought deployment of a snake charmer and a doctor/team of doctors during the opening of the divine treasury,” an authoritative source told the Times of India.
The last time Ratna Bhandar was opened was on July 14, 1985, when Lord Balabhadra needed a gold adornment. The Jagannath treasure’s last inventory was place between May 13 and July 23, 1978. The Ratna Bhandar is said to be home to poisonous king cobras according to myths and mythology.
One of the 16 members of the committee that suggested to the government that the Ratna Bhandar be opened for inventory and conservation on July 14 said, “Even though we are curious to know the types of ancient valuables in Ratna Bhandar, we are equally scared of the possible presence of snakes.”
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Harekrushna Mahapatra, another servant, brought attention to the fact that snakes had lately been discovered near the temple while it was being renovated as part of the Jagannath Heritage Corridor Project. “There are little holes and cracks throughout the temple because it is an ancient structure. There’s a chance that holes will allow snakes to enter Ratna Bhandar. Ratna Bhandar should open with sufficient safety measures in place, Mahapatra continued.
SJTA is concentrating on preventive measures in order to guarantee the safe and orderly opening of the Ratna Bhandar. The plan calls for a thorough search for a proficient snake charmer as well as the preparation of a medical team equipped with a full medical kit.
The authorities are trying to strike a balance between the necessity to reduce the risks associated with potential snake encounters and the excitement of maybe finding historic valuables.
The Jagannath temple community is extremely cautious and takes all the preparations due to the approaching snakes and the historical significance of this occasion. The SJTA’s proactive effort to creating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is indicative of their dedication to safeguarding individuals engaged in the inventory process as well as to maintaining priceless items.
It remains to be seen if the stories concerning poisonous king cobras are accurate. There is no denying that the Ratna Bhandar’s opening is a much awaited occasion that is greeted with apprehension as well as curiosity.
