Counting of Sacred Ornaments Begins Again

The process of counting and verification of precious ornaments stored inside the Ratna Bhandar of the Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri has resumed from today. The exercise, which was temporarily paused due to the ongoing Bahara Chandan Yatra rituals, will continue for two days as per official confirmation.

Shri Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator Aravind Padhee has stated that the counting work will be carried out today and tomorrow, ensuring that the temple rituals remain uninterrupted.

Earlier Suspension Due to Ritual Activities

The inventory process was halted earlier to avoid any disruption in the daily rituals of Lord Jagannath. Authorities emphasized that maintaining the sanctity of temple traditions was a priority during the Bahara Chandan Yatra period.

Progress of Previous Counting Sessions

Before the pause, significant progress had already been made. Over nine days, approximately 57 hours and 8 minutes of counting were completed. During this phase, more than 120 ornaments were inventoried, covering nearly 20% of the inner Ratna Bhandar collection.

Out of the nine days of work, four days were dedicated to the inner chamber alone.

Systematic Inventory and Classification

The inner Ratna Bhandar was opened on April 13 after the completion of the outer chamber inventory. Officials compared the ornaments with the 1978 inventory list to ensure accuracy and authenticity.

Gold ornaments were stored in yellow bags, while silver items were placed in white bags. These were then sealed in steel boxes and kept inside wooden chests. Each box has been tagged with brass identification labels to ensure easy future verification.

Advanced Techniques Used for Verification

To ensure precision in identification, gemologists and expert jewel analysts were engaged in the process. They used advanced modern equipment for examining and categorizing the ornaments.

The third chest of the inner Ratna Bhandar was opened during the process. The first chest has already been fully verified and sealed, while the second and third chests were also examined.

Complete Match with 1978 Records

According to temple officials, the inventory details match 100% with the 1978 records. Each ornament was identified based on serial numbers and documented carefully.

The process also includes photography, videography, 3D mapping, and creation of an e-catalogue for future reference.

Authorities have stated that the ongoing inventory process is being conducted in a highly structured and transparent manner. With advanced documentation and expert supervision, the temple administration aims to preserve the sacred heritage and ensure accurate records of the priceless treasures of Lord Jagannath.

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Outer Treasury Audit Concludes After Four Days

The second phase of the inventory process of precious ornaments in the Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath Temple has been successfully completed. The counting and verification of ornaments stored in the outer chamber concluded after a meticulous four-day exercise.

According to officials, all ornaments listed in the 1978 inventory register have been verified and matched. Interestingly, a few additional ornaments beyond the 1978 list were also discovered during the process. These newly identified items have now been incorporated into the updated 2026 inventory list. Authorities confirmed that all ornaments have been digitally documented for better record-keeping and transparency.

Three Items Missing, Concerns Raised

Despite the successful completion of the outer chamber audit, concerns have emerged over three items that were not found during the counting. While additional ornaments were discovered, the absence of these three items has raised questions.

However, Ratna Bhandar Mekap servitors have stated that the missing items are likely located within the inner treasury. Clarity on this matter is expected once the inner Ratna Bhandar is opened.

Inner Treasury to Be Opened Soon

The inner Ratna Bhandar is scheduled to be opened on Monday, with the keys to be brought from the district treasury. Officials stated that the process will follow strict protocols, with daily sealing and re-depositing of keys in the treasury after each session.

Authorities believe that the missing ornaments may be located during the inspection of the inner chamber.

High-Level Committee Oversaw the Process

The entire inventory exercise was conducted under the supervision of a high-level committee. Key officials present included Chief Administrator Dr. Arvind Padhee and committee chairman Justice Biswanath Rath, along with senior administrative and police officials, servitors, and members of the Ratna Bhandar sub-committee.

The team assembled at the temple office and entered the temple premises in the morning to carry out the process. The Ratna Bhandar doors were opened around 11:30 AM, and the counting of the remaining ornaments in the outer chamber was conducted systematically.

Process Completed Under Tight Security

After the completion of the counting process, the Ratna Bhandar was sealed in the presence of a magistrate at around 6:35 PM. All recorded data, including digital chips containing documentation, were securely stored in the temple office strong room under official supervision.

The next phase, involving the opening and inspection of the inner Ratna Bhandar, is expected to provide further clarity regarding the missing ornaments.

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