Following the change in Odisha’s state government, significant developments have taken place at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. The temple’s four gates were reopened, and the Ratna Bhandar, the sacred treasury of Lord Jagannath, was accessed for the first time in decades.
Repair work on the Ratna Bhandar, which began on December 17, 2024, was completed on July 7, 2025, as confirmed by the temple’s Chief Administrator, Dr. Arabinda Padhee. The inner treasury houses three chests and four almirahs containing precious ornaments, which were temporarily shifted on July 18, 2024, for the repair work. However, the inventory and valuation of these ornaments are yet to be conducted, sparking curiosity among devotees and the public about when this critical process will commence.
On Thursday, Odisha’s Law Minister, Prithviraj Harichandan, announced that two Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officials will be present during the inventory and valuation process. The state government has formally requested the RBI Governor to appoint these officials to ensure transparency and accuracy.
The minister emphasised that the inventory process will begin “very soon” after the RBI provides a suitable timeline. The ornaments, currently stored in a temporary treasury, will first be transferred back to the Ratna Bhandar before the counting begins.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has completed the repair and conservation of both the inner and outer Ratna Bhandar, handing over the keys to the temple administration. The outer treasury’s door has been fitted with a teak wood frame, which will be coated with silver, while the inner treasury’s door will be adorned with gold plating, as decided by the temple administration. The Ratna Bhandar is now secured with six locks, ensuring the safety of both the inner and outer treasuries. Preparations are underway to transfer the ornaments back to the original treasury before the inventory process starts.
This historic inventory will mark the third phase of the Ratna Bhandar management, following the opening of the treasury and the completion of its repairs.
The process is expected to shed light on the priceless treasures of Lord Jagannath, which hold immense cultural and spiritual significance for millions of devotees worldwide.
