After more than four decades, Ratna Bhandar of Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri re-opens (Photo: ANI)

BHUBANESWAR: Tales of snakes guarding the Ratna Bhandar and unusual sounds emanating from the treasury turned out to be a myth as no reptile was found when it was reopened after 46 years on Sunday.
“We did not come across any snakes, insects or reptiles,” Puri district collector Siddharth Shankar Swain told TOI.
Apprehending the presence of snakes, the govt deployed 11 members of Snake Helpline, a voluntary unit having expertise in catching and rescuing snakes, at the shrine.Three members of the unit stood guard outside the Ratna Bhandar to attend to any emergency and ensure safety of those who entered it. Puri district headquarters hospital was asked to keep antivenoms in stock.
“We were in complete readiness with our equipment till the end of opening of the Ratna Bhandar. However, our services were not required as no snake was found in Ratna Bhandar,” said Subhendu Mallik, general secretary of Snake Helpline.
Retired judge of Orissa high court, Justice Biswanath Rath, who is chairman of the 16-member high-powered committee formed by the govt to oversee the inventory of valuables, said unnecessary hype and panic was created before the opening of Ratna Bhandar.
“Rumours were spread that those who open Ratna Bhandar would encounter health issues. We (11 people) are all safe after opening Ratna Bhandar,” Rath said.
He said the Ratna Bhandar was not found fully dilapidated. He said some stones and dust fell on the ground as the treasury was shut for several decades. Rath said he did not find the walls of Ratna Bhandar wet. “We found 5 almirahs and 6 or 7 wooden chests (sinduka) in the inner chamber. We did not open them to check valuables,” Rath said.