Puri: Complete verification of ornaments and valuables in the Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri is scheduled to begin on March 25.
The inventory process is slated to begin between 12.09 pm and 1.45 pm. While counting and verification of the valuables of the outer chamber of the Ratna Bhandar would be conducted first, the process in the inner chamber is slated to be taken up later.
Officials said the entire inventory process will be documented through advanced videography, photography, and 3D mapping techniques to ensure transparency.
According to Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Arabinda Padhee, the process will start with an inventory of movable items in the Ratna Bhandar. These will be cross-checked with the comprehensive list previously prepared in 1978 to verify accuracy and completeness.
In order to streamline the operation, two specialised teams—a supervising team and a handling team—have been formed. Key responsibilities have been entrusted to Bhandar Mekap servitors. Senior servitors Narayan Mekap and Kishan Mekap have been actively consulted regarding the procedures to be followed during the entire exercise.
“Items used for the daily adornments of the sibling deities are in Chalanti Ratna Bhandar (Bahara Ratna Bhandar). These include Kiriti, Mali, Sribhuja, Kundala, Kanaphula, Odiani, Tilaka, Chandrika, Chandra-Surya, Adakani, and many more. The administration will ask for items based on the list of 1978, and the counting will be done on March 25, 2026, and we will provide those items accordingly,” senior servitor Narayan Mekap said.
Thereafter, Bhitara Ratna Bhandar or the inner chamber of the treasury will be inspected and verified in a systematic and disciplined manner.
Officials said gold ornaments will be wrapped in yellow velvet cloth, placed in tin boxes, and secured in chests. Silver ornaments will be wrapped in white or silver-coloured velvet, while other valuables will be preserved using red velvet coverings.
The inventory process will not be conducted on festival days, special rituals, or weekends. As per the directions of Orissa High Court, the entire exercise is to be completed within three months.
