Second Counting of Temple Jewels to Commence in Puri

A major review meeting will be held in Puri ahead of the second counting of the Shri Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar (treasury). The meeting, chaired by Law Minister Pruthwiraj Harichandan at the Circuit House, will include district collectors, SPs, senior officials, and members of the temple management committee. The primary agenda will cover the methodology for counting the ornaments and the security arrangements required during the process.

Date and Timings Finalized

The counting is scheduled for Chaitra Shukla Saptami, March 25, 2026, during an auspicious muhurta from 12:09 PM to 1:45 PM. Ahead of the main event, training camps are being conducted at the temple office under the supervision of district collectors and a dedicated supervising team.

Counting According to 1978 Inventory

The ornaments will be counted as per the complete inventory list prepared in 1978. Gold jewelry will be placed in velvet-lined tin boxes, which will then be kept in secure containers. Silver ornaments and other jewels, including red-colored velvet-lined items, will also be carefully arranged. Only the physical counting will be conducted—there will be no valuation of the items. The exact duration for completing the counting will be announced once the process begins.

Traditional Attire and Team Formation

Temple traditions will be followed, and all personnel involved will wear customary attire during the counting. Two separate teams have been formed: one for inspection and another for management. The inspection team will be led by the temple’s Chief Administrator, while the management team will include members of the Ratna Bhandar Committee, temple clerks, jewelers, goldsmiths, and experts in precious stones. A senior officer from the Reserve Bank of India will also be part of the overseeing team.