Ratna Bhandar Inventory Process to Resume in June, Says SJTA Chief Administrator

Counting Work Temporarily Suspended Amid Heatwave and Upcoming Jagannath Festivals

The inventory and counting process of the Ratna Bhandar of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration will be temporarily suspended from Saturday and resumed again in June, informed Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhi.

Sharing an important update regarding the ongoing Ratna Bhandar inventory process, Dr. Padhi said the entire exercise has been progressing smoothly, transparently, and in accordance with the guidelines approved by the Odisha Government.

“A Divine Experience,” Says Arabinda Padhi

Dr. Padhee described the Ratna Bhandar counting process as a “divine experience” for everyone associated with it.

He stated that the work has been possible due to the blessings of Lord Jagannath, along with the guidance of the Gajapati Maharaja, support from the high-level and management committees, and cooperation from the district administration, police officials, associated officers, and servitors.

According to him, the process has been carried out with complete transparency and proper coordination among all stakeholders.

Counting Work to Continue on May 23

The SJTA chief administrator informed that the counting work scheduled for May 23 would continue as planned under the existing arrangements.

However, from the following day, the present phase of the Ratna Bhandar inventory process will be temporarily halted.

Decision Taken Keeping Heatwave and Festivals in Mind

Officials said the decision was taken considering several factors, including:

• Severe heatwave conditions across Odisha
• Increasing crowd of devotees at the temple
• Upcoming festivals of Lord Jagannath
• Preparations for Snana Purnima and Rath Yatra

Dr. Padhee said planning for the next phase of the inventory process would require further discussions and coordination.

Meetings of Nijogs and Committees to Begin Next Week

He further informed that meetings of the Chhatisha Nijog, management committee, and various sub-committees would be held continuously from next week to plan the next phase of the inventory process.

The Ratna Bhandar counting and inventory exercise is considered one of the most significant and sensitive administrative activities associated with the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Inventory Process to Restart in June

Following the temporary suspension, the next phase of the Ratna Bhandar counting process is expected to restart in June after completion of planning, coordination, and festival-related arrangements.

Temple authorities have assured that the process will continue in a systematic and transparent manner in the coming phase as well.