Counting and Documentation of Sacred Treasures Underway

The inventory and counting of ornaments inside the Ratna Bhandar of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri is progressing rapidly and is likely to conclude soon. The process has been ongoing for the past four days, with authorities ensuring that the counting is carried out in a smooth, accurate, and systematic manner.

Advanced Documentation Techniques Used

Ornaments stored in the outer Ratna Bhandar have been documented using advanced methods, including 3D mapping, videography, and photography. The identification and weighing of precious ornaments, pearls, and gemstones are being conducted by temple servitors, gem experts, and officials from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

High-Level Committee Oversees Process

The inventory process is being supervised by a high-level committee led by Justice Biswanath Rath. Key officials, including Chief Administrator of the temple Dr. Arabinda Padhee and Puri Collector Divyajyoti Parida, along with authorized servitors, are actively involved in the process.

By the third day, around 80–90% of the ornaments in the outer Ratna Bhandar had been counted. The process on Friday continued for over seven hours, from 11:25 AM to 6:35 PM.

Inner Ratna Bhandar Counting to Begin Soon

If the counting of the outer chamber concludes as expected, the inventory of ornaments inside the inner Ratna Bhandar is likely to begin from April 13. However, the process will remain suspended on April 14 due to Maha Vishuba Sankranti and on other designated days. The second phase of counting is scheduled to resume from April 16 to April 18.

Scientific Verification and E-Cataloguing

All ornaments are being scientifically examined by gemologists to verify the authenticity of pearls and precious stones. Additionally, a comprehensive e-catalog is being prepared, ensuring proper digital records of every item. Even ornaments that were previously not included in earlier inventories are now being documented.

Restricted Darshan for Devotees

Due to the ongoing inventory process, devotees were unable to have darshan of the deities throughout the day. Servitors performed rituals by accessing the sanctum through alternate routes via the Jagamohan.

Officials stated that the process is time-consuming and complex, requiring precision and adherence to strict guidelines to ensure accuracy.

Inventory to Continue in Phases

The counting process will continue in phases until April 18, with breaks on Sundays, Sankranti, and April 15. Authorities have emphasized that the entire exercise is being conducted as per standard operating procedures under tight supervision.

The Ratna Bhandar inventory is considered a significant step toward proper documentation and preservation of the temple’s priceless treasures.