The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri has formally requested government intervention to secure custody of silver ingots valued at a staggering Rs 90 crore, recovered from Emar mutt following a foiled robbery attempt back in 2011.
The Legal Battle for Religious Treasure
Asserting that Lord Jagannath is the legitimate owner of properties belonging to Emar and most other mutts in Puri, the SJTA has pressed the government to facilitate the transfer of silver ownership to the Jagannath Temple. The contentious matter is currently being heard by the Orissa High Court, where Emar mutt previously filed a petition seeking release of the seized silver, which remains under the custody of the Puri district administration.
Arabinda Kumar Padhee, chief administrator of SJTA, confirmed the development: "We have written to the law department to place our request before the high court. The Jagannath Temple managing committee has already given its consent to initiate the necessary legal process to secure custody of the silver ingots."
Historical Context and Precedent
The temple administration remains optimistic about a favorable judgment, citing a Supreme Court ruling from December 2015 in a property dispute with Siddha Mutt, where the temple successfully established its claim to the land. A district official elaborated on the situation: "The Emar mutt's properties were misappropriated by its former management. The mutt's ex-Mahant was arrested on theft charges after the silver bars were unearthed in 2011."
The official further emphasized the risk factors: "In the absence of a permanent trust board and given the risk of misappropriation if the silver is returned to the mutt, the property should be donated to Lord Jagannath."
Opposition from Emar Mutt and Historical Significance
However, Emar mutt's interim trust board has strongly opposed the SJTA's claim. Narayan Ramanuj Das, interim trustee, firmly asserted: "Only Emar mutt is the rightful owner of the silver."
The dramatic discovery occurred on February 26, 2011, when police recovered 522 silver ingots, each weighing between 35 to 40 kg, from hidden chambers within the mutt. The breakthrough came following the arrest of two masons in Dhenkanal who attempted to sell a few stolen bars. Subsequent police investigation led authorities to the mutt's concealed treasury.
Emar mutt boasts a rich historical legacy, having been founded in 1050 by philosopher-saint Ramanujacharya. Located directly opposite the iconic Jagannath Temple, the mutt accumulated its valuable collection through centuries of donations from various kings. Originally spanning 6 to 7 acres, significant portions of the mutt were demolished in 2019 by the district administration to accommodate the Shree Mandira Parikrama Prakalp project. Today, the mutt stands on barely half an acre of land.
