The Odisha government has announced an inquiry into the failure of duplicate keys to unlock the Ratna Bhandar, the treasury of the 12th-century Jagannath temple in Puri, during an attempted opening on July 14.

The Ratna Bhandar was reopened for the first time in 46 years to conduct an inventory of valuables and assess the condition of its structure. However, members of a special committee faced a setback when none of the three locks on the doors of the inner chamber could be opened using the two duplicate keys provided by the Puri district administration.

Jagannath temple chief administrator Arabinda Padhee confirmed the situation, stating, “The duplicate keys were unable to unlock any of the three locks during the attempt.”

The failure to access the treasury has raised questions about the security measures and management practices surrounding one of India’s most revered temples. The Odisha government is now committed to investigating the circumstances that led to this incident to ensure accountability and transparency.

The inquiry aims to determine whether there were any procedural lapses or issues with the keys themselves. Authorities are expected to interview officials involved in the key management and the process leading up to the attempted opening.

As the investigation unfolds, the government has assured the public that it will take necessary actions based on the findings to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Ratna Bhandar holds immense cultural and religious significance, making its secure and proper management a top priority for the state administration.