The inventory of the Ratna Bhandar at Puri Srimandir will be carried out based on the list prepared in 1978, but the fresh inventory record will not be made available in the public domain, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Thursday.
Harichandan said the inventory process is being conducted with complete transparency. However, the detailed list of ornaments will be preserved as an official record and will not be released for public circulation.
Inventory to follow 1978 record
The Law Minister said the 1978 inventory list will serve as the basis for the current counting and verification process. A fresh list will be prepared after the entire inventory exercise is completed.
The Ratna Bhandar contains several rare and priceless ornaments studded with precious gemstones, including pearls and rubies, he said.
As part of the exercise, three-dimensional mapping, photography and videography are also being undertaken to document the rare and valuable ornaments.
The inventory is expected to continue for a considerable period after the upcoming Durga Puja and is likely to be completed before the month of Margashira.
Why the inventory list will not be made public
Harichandan said the new inventory record will be preserved in the same manner as the list prepared in 1978.
He said the record could remain preserved for the next 100, 200 or even 300 years until another inventory is conducted. Authorised persons at the government level would be able to access the record when required.
However, the minister ruled out making the detailed list available for general public use, particularly for social media content.
Temple traditions cited
The Law Minister also linked the confidentiality of the inventory to the longstanding traditions and rituals of Lord Jagannath.
He said the Ratna Bhandar is associated with confidential temple rituals and that entry into the treasury is restricted.
According to Harichandan, making details of the inventory openly available would not be appropriate and could go against established temple traditions.
He reiterated that the complete record would nevertheless be properly preserved and deposited with the government, allowing authorised officials to access it when required.
