Puri: The demand for opening of Ratna Bhandar in Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s pilgrim town of Puri gained further momentum on Friday.
Members of two prominent organisations staged demonstrations in the seaside pilgrim town demanding immediate steps by the authorities to open the Ratna Bhandar, treasury chambers, of the 12th century shrine.
The demonstrations were held by activists of Jagannath Sena and Bharatiya Vikas Parishad (BVP) in Puri to press for the demand. They contended that opening of the chambers was necessary to take inventory and ensure safety of the structure.
A large number of activists of both the organizations took out rallies in the pilgrim town and marched towards Srimandir.
Members of BVP held a meeting in front of the office of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and demanded opening of the Ratna Bhandar.
They also demanded the audit of the ornaments and precious jewellery inside the Ratna Bhandar. They submitted a memorandum in this connection to the Chief Administrator of SJTA.
Leaders of the organisation said that they had raised the issue two months ago. The temple administration and the state government were asked to open the Ratna Bhandar within a week, but no steps have so far been taken in this direction, they said, adding that an indefinite agitation would be launched if the government fails to take steps to meet the demand.
Jagannath Sena leaders sought to know as to why the state government is afraid of opening the Ratna Bhandar. It is difficult to understand as to why information about the ornaments of Lord Jagannath has not been made public, they said.
Meanwhile, SJTA Chief Administrator Ranjan Kumar Das said he has received the memorandum seeking the opening of Ratna Bhandar. The matter is pending in the court and a decision in this regard will be taken by the appropriate authority, he added.
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