When Will the Inventory of Jagannath Temple's Ornaments Begin?
Synopsis
Odisha's Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, has initiated a significant review of the procedures for inventorying the precious items of the Jagannath Temple. This inventory, the first since 1978, promises to be transparent and secure, ensuring the temple's treasures are meticulously accounted for.
Key Takeaways
Inventory of ornaments to begin soon at Jagannath Temple.
Last inventory conducted in 1978.
Process to be transparent and secure.
Preparation for Rath Yatra discussed.
Plantation proposal for chariot construction materials.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 16 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, convened a meeting on Monday to assess the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) set for the inventory of valuable ornaments and items kept in the 'Ratna Bhandar' (treasure trove) of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.
State officials announced that the counting and verification of gold jewelry and other treasures from the 12th-century temple are set to commence shortly, following a high-level meeting led by Chief Minister Majhi at Lok Seva Bhavan.
During the meeting, Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple administration, provided a comprehensive presentation.
According to an official press release, all initial steps for the counting and verification have been finalized.
The Archaeological Survey of India completed the restoration and conservation of both the inner and outer Ratna Bhandar within a span of 95 days, involving 333 hours of dedicated effort.
With this development, both the temple administration and the state government are prepared for the inventory process.
A detailed SOP has been crafted by the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee.
The inventory will initiate upon receiving the green light from the state government.
Officials assured that the entire procedure will be executed with utmost transparency and stringent security measures.
The last inventory was carried out in 1978.
In this upcoming exercise, all assets in the Ratna Bhandar will be compared against the 1978 inventory, leading to the formation of a final list.
This process will also involve photography and the creation of a digital catalog.
The meeting also covered preparations for this year’s Rath Yatra.
Given the substantial need for Phasi (Terminalia phillyreifolia) wood and sandalwood for the chariot construction, Chief Minister Majhi instructed officials to propose a plantation initiative under forest schemes.
Other notable attendees included Prithiviraj Harichandan, Odisha’s Works and Law Minister, and Anu Garg, the State Chief Secretary, who were present at the high-level meeting on Monday.
Point of View
It's clear that the upcoming inventory of the Jagannath Temple's ornaments is a crucial move for transparency and accountability. The meticulous planning and execution of this inventory reflect the government's commitment to preserving cultural heritage while ensuring public trust. This initiative not only safeguards valuable assets but also enhances the significance of the temple in the eyes of devotees and historians alike.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ratna Bhandar?
The Ratna Bhandar is the treasure trove of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, where valuable ornaments and items are stored.
When was the last inventory conducted?
The last inventory of the Ratna Bhandar was conducted in 1978.
What measures are in place for the inventory process?
The inventory process will be conducted with complete transparency and under strict security arrangements.
Who is overseeing the inventory process?
The Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee has prepared the SOP for the inventory, with oversight from state officials.
What is the significance of this inventory?
This inventory is essential for ensuring accountability and preserving the temple's cultural heritage.
