It is an archaeological and spiritual mission that began in Orissa, India. The treasure of the Jagannath temple, amassed from the 12th century and sealed since 1978, will be inspected by archaeologists. It contains gold, jewels, but also mysteries, as this Hindu god is passionately revered in this region.
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With our correspondent in Bangalore, Côme Bastin
Jagannath is an avatar of the god Vishnu, the guardian of the Universe in the Hindu pantheon. A cult is dedicated to him in the state of Orissa where the temple of Jagannath was built from 1135. Over the centuries, a poorly listed treasure has been amassed in a secret chamber. Since 1978, a team has tried to enter it, but the keys had mysteriously disappeared.
Since this weekend, eleven experts have been tasked with returning and taking inventory. Legend has it that Jagannath casts a curse on anyone who enters the treasure chamber, which is said to be infested with dangerous reptiles. Snake charmers have therefore been called in.
Biswanath Rath, who led the inspection team, describes the start of the excavation. We sought Jagannath’s blessing and then entered the main hall of the temple. We opened the first part of the treasury and moved the jewels to a safe place. The second chest would not open, so we had to break the locks. We did not feel sick. »
The operation has the feel of an adventure film, but it is also political. Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party gained ground in Orissa during the last legislative elections. To overthrow leader Naveen Patnaik, who had ruled for 30 years, the reopening of Jagannath’s treasury was a campaign promise.