[REVISION HISTORY]

Jagannath Temple asset and inventory management

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-04 02:58 UTC → 2026-09-11 05:52 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri has initiated a high-level inventory and verification process for the ornaments and valuables stored in its Ratna Bhandar. This ~~two-day~~ exercise is being conducted under strict security and state government guidelines, utilizing a team of experts including gemologists, photographers, and specialists from the Reserve Bank of India. The process involves 3D mapping, videography, and documentation by goldsmiths to ensure accuracy without disrupting daily religious rituals. Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has stated that the inventory will use the 1978 record as a primary reference. While the process aims for transparency through advanced documentation of rare ornaments containing gemstones like rubies and pearls, the final inventory list will not be released to the public. Due to the sensitive nature of the Ratna Bhandar and established temple traditions, the new records will be securely preserved and accessible only to authorized government officials. The inventory is expected to span several weeks, continuing through the Durga Puja period, with a goal of completion before the month of Margashira. In conjunction with these ~~efforts to manage temple assets,~~ efforts, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) reported significant financial holdings. As of late August 2026, the temple holds approximately Rs 1,912 crore in bank deposits, consisting of fixed deposits and various savings accounts. Specifically, as of August 31, this includes Rs 1,811.10 crore in fixed deposits—comprising Rs 1,311.10 crore in public sector banks and a Rs 500 crore corpus fund provided by the Odisha government—and roughly Rs 100.71 crore in savings, current, and flexi accounts. deposits. Beyond liquid assets, the administration manages 60,821 acres of land. The vast majority, 60,426 acres, is located within 24 districts of Odisha, while 395 acres are spread across six other states, including West Bengal. The Ratna Bhandar, which contains gold, diamonds, and other precious ornaments, is currently undergoing its first inventory process in 48 years. Revenue is generated through donations, interest, land transactions, temple-owned mines and quarries, and government grants. Transparency measures include the ‘Samarpan’ digital ~~platform, which has collected over Rs 56.7 lakh since its July launch,~~ platform and daily public reporting of Hundi donations.

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