Jagannath Temple: 'Ratna Bhandar' Of Iconic Puri Shrine Opens After 48 Years; Audit Begins

Puri: The long-awaited process of inventorying the Ratna Bhandar (treasury) of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, commenced on Wednesday after a hiatus of 48 years. This process involves temple staff, officials from government banks, gem experts, and representatives from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). According to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), authorized personnel, clad in traditional dhotis and gamchas, entered the temple premises around 11:30 AM. Prior to this, the inventorying process was last conducted over a period of 72 days, between May 13 and July 23, 1978.

At what time did the process begin?

Temple officials stated that the inventorying of the items began during the designated auspicious time (*muhurat*) on Wednesday afternoon, between 12:09 PM and 1:45 PM. During this period, only authorized individuals were permitted to enter the inner sanctum. Officials further clarified that this process would not disrupt the daily rituals and worship practices of this 12th-century temple.

Are Devotees Permitted to Offer Darshan from the Outer Enclosure?

During this process, devotees have been permitted to offer *darshan* (viewing) from the outer enclosure (*Bahar Katha*), while access to the inner enclosure (*Bhitara Katha*) has been restricted. According to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)—formulated by the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJPMC) and approved by the State Government—the inventorying will commence with the ornaments utilized in the daily rituals. Subsequently, the outer chamber of the Ratna Bhandar will be opened, followed finally by the inner chamber.

When was the inventory last conducted?

The inventory was previously conducted between May 13 and July 23, 1978. That exercise recorded details of 454 gold-ornaments weighing 128.38 kilograms, 293 silver-ornaments weighing 221.53 kilograms, and numerous precious gemstones. Officials noted that while the 1978 process spanned 72 days, the current exercise is expected to be completed in a shorter timeframe through the utilization of modern technology.

Will Every Item Undergo Digital Photography?

He stated that two gemologists are assisting in the identification of the jewelry, and digital photographs are being taken of every single item. The gold ornaments are being wrapped in yellow cloth, the silver ornaments in white, and other items in red cloth, before being placed into six specially prepared chests. Temple staff, officials from a government bank, gemologists, and representatives from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are all involved in this process.