RBI Experts to Oversee Srimandir’s Ratna Bhandar Inventory

(OT webdesk)In a landmark move, the Odisha government has initiated the long-awaited inventory of the Ratna Bhandar—the sacred treasure chamber of Puri’s revered Jagannath Temple.

Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan confirmed that two expert officials from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have been nominated to assist in the counting and verification of the temple’s invaluable ornaments.

The decision follows a formal request from the state government to the RBI, aimed at ensuring precision and transparency in documenting the centuries-old assets.

Currently, many of the ornaments are stored outside the Ratna Bhandar. These will be relocated to the inner sanctum once the newly formed Srimandir Managing Committee grants its approval.

“The Reserve Bank has already nominated two officials for this task,” Harichandan stated. “Once the committee is in place and gives the green signal, we will schedule the shifting of valuables and inform RBI about the inspection date.”

The final inventory will be conducted in the presence of RBI officials, marking a significant step toward safeguarding Odisha’s cultural and religious heritage while promoting accountability in temple resource management