Jagannath Temple begins inventory of Ratna Bhandar valuables

The inventory and verification process for the ornaments and valuables stored in the Ratna Bhandar of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri has commenced. The two-day exercise is being conducted under tight security following guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures approved by the Odisha state government.

The process involves a high-level inspection team including experts from the Reserve Bank of India, gemologists, photographers, and other specialists. To ensure accuracy, gemologists will work alongside traditional and bank goldsmiths to document the characteristics of each item. The entire procedure will be recorded via videography, photography, and 3D mapping. Once documented, valuables will be wrapped in protective layers and secured in chests.

While the inventory will not disrupt the daily religious rituals of the deities, devotee access will be modified. During the counting period, darshan will only be permitted from the ‘Bahar Katha’, and devotees will not be allowed access from the ‘Bhitar Katha’. Previous phases of the inventory, including the Chalanti Bhandar, have already been completed.