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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