Bhubaneswar, July 14: The Odisha government is all set to open the Ratna Bhandar, or Treasure Trobe of the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, today, July 14. Notably, the Ratna Bhandar is being opened after more than four decades to inventory valuables stored in the "treasure trove", including pieces of jewellery. Amid all this, rumours suggesting snakes guarding the Ratna Bhandar of Puri Jagannath Temple are going viral online.

Several rumours claiming serpents guarding the valuables stored in Ratna Bhandar are doing the rounds of social media. While the opening of Ratna Bhandar is scheduled for today, there seems to be a scare about snakes. It is learned that the committee of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) launched a search for a snake charmer. Ratna Bhandar of Shri Jagannath Temple to Be Opened Today in Puri, Final Approval Given by CM Mohan Charan Majhi.

Temple Officials to Deploy Snake Charmers

It is reported that Jagannath temple authorities are looking for a snake charmer who would be deployed to ensure the safety of people during the opening of Ratna Bhandar. Reports also state that a medical team has also been kept on standby to ensure to deal with any untoward injuries or medical attention. An SJTA official said that they sent a draft SOP on the opening of Ratna Bhandar to the government for approval.

Rumours Suggest Snakes Guarding Ratna Bhandar

The official also confirmed that they had sought the deployment of a snake charmer and a medical team during the opening of Ratna Bhandar of Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. It must be noted that the legend of snakes guarding temple treasuries is not new. Serpents have been regarded as the guardians of treasures.

Snakes Sighted During Jagannath Heritage Corridor Project

Following an order from the Orissa High Court six years ago, a team of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Jagannath Temples officials entered Ratna Bhandar to examine its structural condition. Back then, two snake catchers were kept on standby to assist the team. On the eve of the search, sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a sand art piece that also featured a snake. Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri To Go Under Renovation, Listing of Treasury Items To Happen for First Time Since 1978.

Today, Pattnaik is a member of the temple committee. It is also learned that there are several holes and cracks on the premises as the temple is old. Harekrushna Mahapatra, a servitor also said that there are possibilities of serpents slithering into the Ratna Bhandar through holes. The remarks were reportedly based on the sightings of snakes in the periphery of Jagannath temple during the Jagannath Heritage Corridor Project work.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 14, 2024 10:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).