Puri Jagannath temple's treasure guarded by snakes? Tales of serpents spook authorities

The authorities at Puri's Jagannath temple are preparing to open the Ratna Bhandar, the temple treasury, for inventory on July 14, after 46 years. The key concern is the potential presence of snakes, prompting the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to search for a skilled snake charmer to ensure safety. Additionally, a medical team will be on standby with a medicine kit.

"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," a senior SJTA official told the Times of India.

Ratna Bhandar was last opened on July 14, 1985, to retrieve a gold ornament for Lord Balabhadra. The last inventory of the treasure was conducted from May 13 to July 23, 1978. There are legends and folklore about the presence of venomous king cobras in the Ratna Bhandar.


"Though we are curious to know the types of ancient valuables in Ratna Bhandar, we are equally scared of the possible presence of snakes," said a servitor of a 16-member committee that proposed to the government to open the Ratna Bhandar for inventory and conservation from July 14.

Another servitor, Harekrushna Mahapatra, highlighted that snakes were recently found in the temple's vicinity during its beautification under the Jagannath Heritage Corridor Project. "Since it is an age-old temple, there are small holes and cracks at several places. There is a possibility of snakes slithering into Ratna Bhandar through holes. Adequate precautions should be taken during the opening of Ratna Bhandar," Mahapatra added.

To ensure the smooth and safe opening of the Ratna Bhandar, SJTA is focusing on preventive measures. The plan includes a rigorous search for a skilled snake charmer and the readiness of a medical team armed with a comprehensive medicine kit. The authorities are balancing the anticipation of uncovering ancient valuables with the need to mitigate the risks posed by possible snake encounters.

With the looming presence of snakes and the historical significance of this event, the temple community is on high alert and taking all necessary precautions. The SJTA's proactive approach in drafting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) reflects their commitment to both preserving valuable treasures and protecting those involved in the inventory process.

Whether the legends about venomous king cobras hold true remains to be seen. What is certain is that the opening of the Ratna Bhandar is a highly anticipated event, marked by a mix of curiosity and caution.