Puri: The inventory list of the Ratna Bhandar Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri will not be made public, according to Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.
The Minister shared this information while explaining several key decisions related to the 12th century shrine, covering the ongoing Ratna Bhandar inventory and improved darshan arrangements for Puri residents.
Stating that the counting and accounting of the Ratna Bhandar valuables are likely to be completed by the end of the Odisha month of ‘Margashira’, he said the inventory report will not be made available in the public domain.
Stressing that the entire process is being conducted as per the 1978 list, Harichandan said once the full inventory is completed, a fresh list will be prepared. 3D mapping, photography and videography of all rare and precious ornaments are currently underway. However, the final list of precious ornaments will not be available in the public domain. The inventory work will continue for a longer period after Durga Puja and is expected to conclude before the month of Margashira.
About steps to ensure smooth darshan at Jagannath Temple, the Minister said arrangements for ramps and queue-based darshan will be made in the Natamandap of the shrine within the next three to four months to ensure smoother and easier darshan for devotees.
IIT Bhubaneswar had been assigned the responsibility of designing an easy ramp system. The proposal has been examined at the government level. After further study by the Chhatisha Niyoga authorities and members of the Temple Managing Committee, the system will be implemented.
The Minister further stated that special darshan arrangements will be made through the Uttaradwar (north gate) of the temple for Puri residents.