Puri: The auspicious time for the opening of Ratna Bhandar is 1:28 pm, informed inspection Committee Chairman Justice Biswanath Rath.
“A total of 11 members will go inside Ratna Bhandar including two from the inspection Committee,” said Chairman Justice Biswanath Rath adding that the SJTA Chief Administrator has sought the key from the treasury.
Two members of the high-level committee, an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) representative, the Puri district Collector, and specific servitors such as Bhandar Mekap and Tadau Karan will enter the Ratna Bhandar. A medical team and members of a snake helpline will be on standby outside the chamber, ready to assist if needed.
During the committee’s access to the Ratna Bhandar, temporary entry restrictions to the temple will be enforced. Only the Singhadwara gate will remain open, while all other gates will be closed. Authorized persons and servitors will be allowed entry according to a predetermined list. All committee members will undergo security checks, and the entire procedure will be videographed as per the standard operating procedure (SOP).
The Odisha government has issued an SOP to the SJTA and the temple management committee to ensure the inventory process is conducted transparently. A team led by SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee will oversee the operation. This team includes representatives from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), ASI, servitors associated with the Ratna Bhandar, and members of both the managing and high-level committees.
