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“The treasury of Banke Bihari will be opened today on Dhanteras after 54 years. Those who belong to the high-power committee should be allowed entry into the treasury… Apart from judicial and administrative officials, four nominated Goswami reserve this right,” Ghanshyam Goswami told the news agency.
The treasury of the Bankebihari temple, located just below throne of lord The sanctum sanctorum, was last opened in 1971, when precious jewelery and other ornaments were moved to a bank. The jewelery removed from the treasury was transferred to a sealed box in a State Bank locker at Bhuteshwar in Mathura, with a list provided to all the temple committee members.
According to the New Indian Express (NIE) report, the treasure contains rare artefacts, including a peacock necklace made of emeralds, Sahasra Phani, a silver Sheshnag and Navaratnas (nine gems) in a golden Kalash.
The special committee is expected to examine the inventory and document the jewelery as well as other artefacts after the treasury reopens after more than five decades.
The special committee to inspect the treasury includes the temple management, civil judge, auditor and police officers. The committee will monitor the reopening process and verification of all valuables will be videotaped, the report said.
The decision to open the treasury was taken in the temple committee meeting last month.
According to historical accounts, the treasury was constructed in 1864 as per Vaishnava traditions. The treasury includes donations from the states of Bharatpur, Karauli and Gwalior. The report said the treasury also contained sealed documents, gifts, testimonials and land documents of donated buildings and areas.
According to historical data, the temple treasury was looted twice in 1926 and 1936. After these incidents, the temple committee closed the main basement door, leaving only a small window for offerings. Earlier, attempts to open the treasury were made in 2002 and 2004. However, the NIE report mentions that it failed due to lack of official permission.