Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar Inventory to Begin in March

The Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has announced that the long‑awaited inventory of the Ratna Bhandar at Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, will commence in the first week of March.

The temple managing committee and administration will oversee the process, ensuring that rituals and daily darshan remain uninterrupted.

A 14‑page Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been approved, outlining strict measures for transparency and preservation.

Two high‑level panels will be formed—one for supervision and another for handling ornaments.

The inventory will cover Challanti Bhandar, Bahar Ratna Bhandar, and Bhitar Ratna Bhandar, with video recording and digital documentation.

Special chests will store gold, silver, and other ornaments separately, accompanied by detailed lists. Experts from the RBI, empanelled goldsmiths, and government‑nominated gemmologists will participate, recording grades and details of stones without valuation.

The draft proposal draws inspiration from the 1978 inventory method, with the final schedule awaiting approval from the temple managing committee.