SJTA Forms Committees to Audit Ratna Bhandar Treasures

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has taken a significant step toward transparency and accountability by forming two committees to oversee the inventory and appraisal of the Ratna Bhandar, the temple’s revered treasury.

A Supervisory Committee and a Handling Committee have been constituted to ensure meticulous documentation, valuation, and security during the exercise.

The Odisha government has approved a detailed 14‑page Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlining the methodology, security protocols, and appraisal process.

SJTA has reviewed the temple calendar and identified a 24‑day window before Niladri Bije, the concluding ritual of Rath Yatra, as the most suitable period for the exercise.

This timeline is designed to avoid disruption during major festivals.

The committees will now submit feasible dates to the Temple Managing Committee, which will finalise the schedule after consulting experts and considering auspicious timings.

Specific responsibilities have been assigned to officials to ensure smooth execution, with emphasis on safeguarding the temple’s invaluable treasures while maintaining public trust.