Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan announced that the long-awaited inventory process of Puri Srimandir’s Ratna Bhandar — the inner sanctum storing invaluable religious ornaments — is officially underway.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has nominated two expert officials to assist in the counting and verification of assets.
The Odisha government had earlier written to the RBI requesting expert support in the process. The temple’s ornaments, currently stored outside the chamber, will be shifted back to the inner Ratna Bhandar once the newly formed Srimandir Managing Committee grants its approval.
“The Reserve Bank has already nominated two officials for this task,” Harichandan stated. “Once the committee is in place and gives the green signal, we will schedule the shifting of valuables and inform RBI about the inspection date.”
The final inventory will be conducted in the presence of RBI officials, ensuring the centuries-old religious assets are documented with precision.
This coordinated step reflects the government’s commitment to preserving Odisha’s cultural and religious heritage, while fostering accountability in the management of temple resources.
