Jagannath Temple: Inventory of Puri Jagannath temple's Ratna Bhandar begins after 48 years

Jagannath Temple: The mystery surrounding the Ratna Bhandar of the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is finally set to be unveiled. There has always been immense curiosity regarding the exact quantity of gold, silver, diamonds, and jewels contained within the Ratna Bhandar. Now, commencing after 12:00 PM on Wednesday during the designated auspicious period, the work of preparing an inventory—detailing exactly what items are present in the Ratna Bhandar and in what quantities—has officially begun.

As part of this process, a detailed list of the temple's ornaments—including gold, silver, and precious gems—is being compiled.

Counting Begins During Auspicious Period

It is worth noting that the auspicious timeframe for this undertaking spanned from 12:09 PM to 1:40 PM. During this interval, and in strict adherence to the temple's established traditions, the counting of the ornaments commenced. Prior to this instance, the last such inventory was conducted in the year 1978. Now, 58 years later, this counting process is being undertaken once again. At the time of the previous inventory, the treasury held 128 kilograms of gold ornaments and 221 kilograms of silver ornaments. Officials confirmed that the long-awaited process of compiling the inventory for the Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar officially began on Wednesday, marking its resumption after 48 years.

Entry Permitted Only in Traditional Attire

According to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, the designated personnel assigned to this task entered the temple premises around 11:30 AM, clad in traditional *dhoti* and *gamcha* (traditional towel). This inventory process was initiated during the designated auspicious window between 12:09 PM and 1:45 PM. Entry into the Ratna Bhandar area is strictly restricted to those individuals who have been officially authorized to participate in this specific counting and listing exercise.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Established

Officials further clarified that this entire process will be conducted without causing any disruption to the daily rituals and worship services performed at this 12th-century temple. Devotees have been permitted to offer *darshan* (worshipful viewing) from the ‘Bahara Katha’ (the outer barricade inside the temple), while entry into the ‘Bhitara Katha’ area will remain prohibited during this period.

The verification and inventory-taking process will be conducted strictly in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) formulated by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Committee. This SOP has received the approval of the State Government. As per the protocol, the inventory process will commence with the ornaments utilized in the daily rituals.

Subsequently, the outer chamber of the ‘Ratna Bhandar’ (Treasure House) will be opened, followed finally by the inner chamber.

The inventory was last compiled between May 13 and July 23, 1978. At that time, 454 gold-based items weighing 128.38 kilograms and 293 silver-based items weighing 221.53 kilograms—along with numerous precious gemstones—were officially recorded. While the 1978 exercise took 72 days to complete, officials state that this time, with the aid of modern technology, the entire process will be concluded in a significantly shorter duration.

RBI Officials Also Present

During the inventory process, two gemologists (gem experts) are assisting in the identification of the items, and digital photographs are being taken of every single object. Gold ornaments are being wrapped in yellow cloth, silver ornaments in white cloth, and other items in red cloth, before being placed into six specially constructed chests. This entire operation involves the participation of temple *sevayats* (servitors), officials from government banks, gem experts, and representatives from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).