Ancient Weapons Unearthed During Restoration of Puri Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/21st July 2024

In a significant archaeological discovery, age-old weaponry, including swords, spears, and javelins, has been unearthed from the Ratna Bhandar of the Puri Jagannath Temple. This treasure trove was revealed during the recent shifting of valuables in the temple’s inner chamber on Thursday. The Ratna Bhandar, which had been closed for 46 years, was reopened by the Odisha government on July 14 for a much-needed restoration and inventory process.

On the day of the reopening, a committee comprising 11 members delved into the Ratna Bhandar and uncovered ancient idols along with the newly discovered weapons. These items were found near a wooden chest within the chamber. The weapons, which had turned black and appeared heavily tarnished, were described as being quite substantial in weight.

Biswanath Rath, chairman of the Ratna Bhandar supervisory committee and a retired judge of the Orissa High Court, confirmed that the weapons have been securely sealed and preserved in a temporary strongroom. However, he chose not to disclose specific details regarding the number of weapons or their historical period.

The discovery of these battle implements provides a fascinating glimpse into the 12th-century CE shrine’s historical context, particularly its connection to the region’s kings. The Puri Jagannath Temple was originally constructed by Anantavarman Chodaganga Dev of the Eastern Ganga dynasty during the 1190s. This massive temple, towering at 214 feet and spanning 10.7 acres, is surrounded by 95 subsidiary shrines, highlighting its grandeur and historical significance.

Historical accounts suggest that the Jagannath Temple endured numerous invasions, with records indicating that it was plundered 18 times. These invasions were driven by the temple’s immense wealth, leading the ruling kings to store precious items, including weapons, within the Ratna Bhandar to safeguard them. Shyama Mahapatra, a temple servitor, noted that these ancient weapons might have been used as a protective measure against such attacks.

Further insights from Jagannath researcher Bhaskar Mishra reveal that King Kapilendra Deb, in 1460, used 16 elephants to transport a significant amount of gold to the Puri Jagannath Temple after a victorious campaign. This historical context underscores the temple’s role as a repository of wealth and historical artifacts.

Historians and heritage experts have called for a thorough study of the recovered weapons. They urge the government to involve eminent archaeologists to investigate the era during which these weapons were in use. Sajiv Mishra, a historian, emphasized the rarity and historical importance of these artifacts, advocating for their proper preservation and display in a museum.

The discovery of these ancient weapons not only enriches our understanding of the temple’s history but also highlights the ongoing need for careful preservation and scholarly analysis of historical artifacts. This project marks a crucial step in uncovering and protecting the cultural heritage embedded within the Puri Jagannath Temple.