Historic Ratna Bhandar Audit To Begin

Bhubaneswar, Feb 16: The long-awaited inventory of gold ornaments and precious pearls stored in the Ratna Bhandars of the sacred Shri Jagannath Temple is set to commence soon, marking a significant step toward preserving the rich heritage of the Holy Trinity—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.

A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday reviewed the detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the inventory process. The report was presented by Temple Chief Administrator Aravind Padhee, outlining comprehensive guidelines to ensure transparency, security and systematic documentation during the counting of the priceless ornaments.

Official sources said all preliminary preparations have been completed. The inner and outer treasury chambers have undergone extensive repair and conservation work under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India. The restoration process reportedly spanned 95 days and involved 333 hours of meticulous work.

The SOP was finalised after detailed deliberations by the Temple Management Committee headed by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb. The counting process will begin once the state government formally approves the SOP. Authorities have assured that strict security protocols and cleanliness standards will be maintained throughout the exercise.

The last inventory of the temple’s treasures was conducted in 1978. The upcoming exercise will reconcile current holdings with the 1978 records to prepare a consolidated and updated register. In a significant move, a digital catalogue including photographs and videography will also be created to preserve a permanent record for future generations.

Law Minister Prithwiraj Harichandan stated that experts from the Reserve Bank of India will assist in finalising the inventory process. He emphasised that digital documentation will enhance transparency and safeguard the temple’s invaluable heritage.

The meeting also reviewed preparations for this year’s Rath Yatra. Considering the substantial requirement of Fasi and sandalwood for constructing the chariots, the Chief Minister directed officials to initiate tree plantation proposals through forestry projects to ensure sustainable supply.

Senior officials present at the meeting included Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary Shashwat Mishra, Chief Minister’s advisor Prakash Mishra, and Puri District Collector Divyajyoti Parida.

The upcoming inventory is being seen as a historic and landmark initiative aimed at safeguarding one of India’s most revered temple treasuries while ensuring accountability and preservation of centuries-old traditions.