Odisha Government Launches Inventory of Ratna Bhandar Treasures

The Odisha government is set to commence the long-awaited inventory and verification of precious ornaments and stones stored in the Ratna Bhandar, the treasury of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. This decision follows a directive from the Orissa High Court and was confirmed during a high-level meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on March 15, 2024.

Preparation for Inventory Underway

The meeting, held at Lok Seva Bhawan, focused on the standard operating procedure (SOP) developed by the Shree Jagannath Temple Management Committee. Officials discussed critical aspects such as security, documentation, and transparency to ensure a thorough and accountable inventory process. Arabinda Padhee, chief administrator of the temple, presented an overview of the preparations already in place.

Padhee informed the chief minister that all preliminary steps have been completed, including the restoration of both the inner and outer sections of the Ratna Bhandar. The Archaeological Survey of India took 95 days and 333 hours to finish this essential conservation work. With these preparations finalized, the inventory is ready to begin pending formal government approval of the SOP.

The last comprehensive inventory of the temple’s treasures was conducted in 1978. During the upcoming verification exercise, officials will physically match the ornaments and valuables against records from that year to prepare an updated list. This process will be conducted under strict security, emphasizing transparency and accuracy.

Innovative Documentation Approaches

In a notable shift from previous practices, the government plans to photograph all items in detail and create a digital catalogue. This initiative aims to enhance documentation and provide future reference for the treasury’s assets.

The meeting also addressed preparations for the upcoming Rath Yatra, a significant event for the temple. Given the substantial timber requirements for constructing the chariots, including phassi and sandalwood, Chief Minister Majhi instructed officials to draft a proposal under forest development schemes to ensure a sustainable supply of these materials.

Among those present at the meeting were Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Chief Minister’s adviser Prakash Mishra, and Chief Secretary Anu Garg. Earlier in the day, Harichandan convened a preparatory meeting at his residence to review legal and procedural safeguards related to the inventory process. This meeting included Justice Biswanath Rath, Padhee, and Puri Collector Divyajyoti Parida.

Addressing the media following the meeting, Harichandan emphasized the importance of conducting the inventory in strict accordance with the Shree Jagannath Temple Act and the approved SOP. He affirmed that the process respects traditional customs while ensuring administrative accountability. “This is not merely an administrative exercise but a matter of faith for millions of devotees. The government is committed to ensuring complete transparency, accuracy, and security during the counting and verification of the Ratna Bhandar assets,” he stated.

The inventory and verification of the Ratna Bhandar is poised to be a significant event, not only for the temple administration but also for the devotees who hold the temple’s treasures in high regard. As the government moves forward with this initiative, stakeholders are keenly watching to ensure that the process meets the highest standards of integrity and transparency.