Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan announced that the inventory of the Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri will begin by the first week of March.
He confirmed that discussions with the Chhatisha Nijog have already taken place, and a final date will be declared soon after reviewing all necessary aspects.
Harichandan explained that the temple managing committee and administration will oversee the process. The timing will align with rituals and traditions to ensure that daily niti and darshan remain undisturbed. Devotees will continue to have darshan from a distance during the inventory period.
The Odisha government earlier approved a 14-page Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the exercise. Two high-level panels will be formed: one to supervise the process and another to handle ornaments during counting and documentation. The Challanti Bhandar and Bahar Ratna Bhandar will be inventorised in the presence of a magistrate and temple officials, with video recording and digital preservation of details.
The Bhitar Ratna Bhandar will undergo stricter supervision. A three-member supervisory committee and a 10-member handling team will manage the categorisation and placement of ornaments. Special chests have been prepared to store gold, silver, and other ornaments separately, each with detailed lists.
Experts from the Reserve Bank of India, empanelled goldsmiths from public sector banks, and government-nominated gemmologists will participate. Officials clarified that no valuation will be done, but the grade and details of precious and semi-precious stones will be recorded.
The draft proposal, prepared by the temple’s legal subcommittee, drew from the 1978 inventory method. The final schedule will be placed before the temple managing committee for approval.
