Context:
Ratna Bhandar, the sacred treasury of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri reopened after 46 years
Ratna Bhandar:
- Located on – Northern side of Jagamohana (assembly hall of temple).
- Comprises – Bahar Bhandar (outer chamber) and Bhitar Bhandar (inner chamber).
- Contain jewels of three sibling deities — Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath, and Devi Subhadra.
Jagannath Temple Puri:
- Built by – Anantavarman (Chodaganga dynasty)
- Time Period – 12th Century
- Other Name – ‘Yamanika Tirtha’
- Architecture – Kalinga architecture
- Built on a raised platform
- No shadow of the temple falls on the ground at any time of the day.
- The idols of the holy trinity are carved out of wood rather than stone or metal idols.
- Dedicated to – Lord Jagannath (Vishnu), Devi Shubhadra, Balabhadra
- Referred as – “White pagoda”
- A part of Char Dham pilgrimages (Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram).
- Famous for – Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival)
- Stone used – Khondalite stone
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements:
1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2013 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is not correct. Barabar Caves are the oldest rock-cut caves in India.
Statement 2 is not correct. Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Ashoka.
