Puri, July 14: The 11-member team returned after reopening the Ratna Bhandar in Shreemandir after 46 years, much to the happiness of devotees of Lord Jagannath.

Sources said the locks of the outer Ratna Bhandar opened with their keys, while the locks of the inner Ratna Bhandar didn't open with keys. Thus, the lock had to be broken by the team in the presence of the magistrate and team members.

"Bahar (outer) Ratna Bhandar and Bhitar (Inner) Ratna Bhandar were opened today. We had to break the three locks of the Inner Ratna Bhandar as they didn't open with keys brought from the treasury. The locks were broken in the presence of the magistrate," said Shree Jagannath Temple Administration's Chief Administrator Arabinda Kumar Padhi.

While the 11-member team entered the outer Ratna Bhandar, 12-member Ratna Bhandar team went into the Bhitra Ratna Bhandar, said Padhi. He said both the inner and outer rooms of the Ratna Bhandar were opened with strict execution of the standard operating procedures (SoP) issued by the State government.

The SJTA chief further informed that all gold ornaments kept in the outer Ratna Bhandar were shifted to the temporary strong room erected inside the Shreemandir. The temporary room was then sealed.

Regarding Bhitar Ratna Bhandar, Padhi said,"As per norms, Gajapati Maharaja, SJTA and Bhandar Mekap entered the Bhitar Ratna Bhandar. We all saw almirahs and Sindooks (wooden trunks) inside the Bhitar Ratna Bhandar. But we didn't shift them today as we didn't have time."

Padhi said another date will be fixed for shifting of ornaments and valuables from Bhitar Ratna Bhandar to temporary strong room. After all ornaments are shifted to the temporary strong room, the ASI will be entrusted with the responsibility of safekeeping.

Padhi further informed that inventory work will begin only after Ratna Bhandar rooms are repaired and renovated.

Speaking to reporters, Ratna Bhandar supervisory committee chairman Justice Biswanath Rath said Ratna Bhandar rooms and temporary room were sealed and the keys were sent to the treasury for safekeeping.

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