Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deba, the first servitor of Lord Jagannath, visited the Shree Jagannath Temple today and personally oversaw the commencement of the second phase of the sacred Ratna Bhandar inventory and verification process.
The Puri Gajapati arrived at the temple at 5 PM through the southern gate. He first offered prayers and performed darshan of the Chaturdha (four) deities seated on the Ratna Singhasana. He then inspected the ongoing counting of the outer Ratna Bhandar, which began this afternoon under tight security arrangements.
This second phase focuses exclusively on the outer treasury and is expected to continue for four days. The inner Ratna Bhandar counting will resume on April 13 and again from April 16 to 18.
As a result of the inventory exercise, devotees are being allowed darshan of Lord Jagannath only from outside the wooden barricade near the main entrance.
Accompanying Gajapati Maharaja were Shrinahar Raj Purohit and senior officials of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration.
