Puri Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar Report to Be Public After 8 Years
Report on Puri Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar to be made public after 8 years.
Photo by Dilip Poddar
After eight years, the secret report on the Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove) of the Puri Jagannath Temple is set to be made public. The report, compiled following concerns about the condition and inventory of the temple's valuable ornaments and artifacts, has been a subject of much speculation.
The decision to release the report aims to address public curiosity and ensure transparency in the management of the temple's assets. This move is significant given the temple's cultural and religious importance, and the need for accountability in handling its historical treasures.
Key Facts
The Ratna Bhandar report of the Puri Jagannath Temple is set to be made public after 8 years.
The report was compiled following concerns about the condition and inventory of the temple's valuable ornaments and artifacts.
The decision to release the report aims to address public curiosity and ensure transparency.
The Ratna Bhandar holds significant cultural and religious importance.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper I (Culture): Historical and cultural significance of the Puri Jagannath Temple and its Ratna Bhandar.
GS Paper II (Polity & Governance): Transparency and accountability in the management of religious institutions.
GS Paper II (Polity & Governance): Role of the Right to Information Act in promoting transparency.
GS Paper I (Culture): Role of Archaeological Survey of India in preservation of cultural heritage.
Visual Insights
Location of Puri Jagannath Temple
Map showing the location of Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha. The release of the Ratna Bhandar report is significant due to the temple's cultural and religious importance.
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Ratna Bhandar of the Puri Jagannath Temple, and why is the report about it being made public after 8 years?
The Ratna Bhandar is the treasure trove of the Puri Jagannath Temple, holding valuable ornaments and artifacts. The report is being made public after 8 years to address public curiosity and ensure transparency in the management of the temple's assets, following concerns about the condition and inventory of the treasures.
2. For UPSC Prelims, what key facts should I remember about the Puri Jagannath Temple and the Ratna Bhandar report?
For Prelims, remember that the Ratna Bhandar report is being made public after 8 years. The report addresses concerns about the condition and inventory of the temple's valuables. The aim is to increase transparency and address public concerns regarding the management of the temple's assets.
Exam Tip
Focus on the time period (8 years) and the reason for releasing the report (transparency).
3. What is the significance of the Puri Jagannath Temple, and how does the release of the Ratna Bhandar report impact its management?
The Puri Jagannath Temple holds significant cultural and religious importance. Releasing the Ratna Bhandar report promotes transparency and accountability in the management of the temple's assets. This move can enhance public trust and ensure responsible handling of the temple's historical treasures.
4. Why is the Ratna Bhandar report in the news recently?
The Ratna Bhandar report is in the news because it is being made public after eight years. This decision follows growing public demand for information about the condition and inventory of the temple's treasures. The state government's decision reflects a commitment to addressing public concerns and ensuring accountability.
5. In the context of the Puri Jagannath Temple Ratna Bhandar report, how does this event relate to the concept of 'Public Trust Doctrine'?
The release of the Ratna Bhandar report aligns with the Public Trust Doctrine, which emphasizes that certain resources are held by the government in trust for the benefit of the public. By making the report public, the government demonstrates accountability and responsible management of the temple's assets, fulfilling its duty to the public.
6. What are the potential pros and cons of making the Puri Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar report public?
Pros include increased transparency, enhanced public trust, and improved accountability in managing temple assets. Cons might involve potential security risks related to revealing the inventory, or possible controversies arising from the report's findings. It could also lead to increased public scrutiny and pressure on the temple administration.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Ratna Bhandar of the Puri Jagannath Temple: 1. The Ratna Bhandar is managed solely by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). 2. The Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955 provides the legal framework for the management of the temple and its assets. 3. The last comprehensive inventory of the Ratna Bhandar was conducted in 1978. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The Ratna Bhandar is NOT managed solely by the ASI. The Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955 governs the management of the temple and its assets. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955 provides the legal framework for the management of the temple and its assets, including the Ratna Bhandar. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The last comprehensive inventory of the Ratna Bhandar was conducted in 1978.
2. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955?
- A.It provides for the management of the Puri Jagannath Temple.
- B.It outlines the responsibilities and powers of the temple administration.
- C.It mandates that the state government directly controls all aspects of the temple's finances.
- D.It provides a legal framework for the management of the Ratna Bhandar.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Option C is NOT correct. While the state government has a role in the temple's administration, the Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955 does not mandate that the state government directly controls all aspects of the temple's finances. The temple has a managing committee that oversees its financial affairs.
3. In the context of the Puri Jagannath Temple, what is the primary purpose of the Ratna Bhandar?
- A.To store historical documents related to the temple's construction.
- B.To house the personal belongings of the temple priests.
- C.To store precious jewels, ornaments, and artifacts donated to the temple.
- D.To serve as a museum for displaying ancient sculptures.
Show Answer
Answer: C
The primary purpose of the Ratna Bhandar is to store precious jewels, ornaments, and artifacts donated to the temple by devotees over centuries. These treasures are considered sacred and are used for various rituals and ceremonies.
Source Articles
Puri Jagannath Temple’s secret 324-page Ratna Bhandar report to go public after 8 years | India News - The Indian Express
‘No secret chamber found inside Jagannath temple’: why the claim was made, how ASI surveyed shrine | Explained News - The Indian Express
Secret tunnel inside Jagannath Temple? ASI to laser scan Ratna Bhandar | India News - The Indian Express
After 4 decades, Puri Jagannath Temple’s treasure trove opened today | India News - The Indian Express
No hidden chamber inside Jagannath Temple, says Odisha minister citing ASI’s technical survey | India News - The Indian Express