Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar inventory likely in August: Odisha Minister

The long-awaited inventory of Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar is likely to happen in the month of August, informed Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Tuesday. 

With repair works of the Ratna Bhandar nearly completed, preparations are underway for the detailed counting and documentation of the temple's precious ornaments and treasures.

The Minister stated that a final decision in this regard will be taken during a high-level committee meeting. A letter will be sent to the RBI requesting the nomination of two experts with prior experience in auditing ornaments and treasures at major temples, such as the Somnath Temple. These experts will be included in the inventory team.

The Minister further informed that to safely store the ornaments, new chests have been specially prepared. Additionally, experienced goldsmiths will be identified and included in the process. Following the repair of the Ratna Bhandar, it is expected to remain intact for more than a hundred years.

Must Read: New ornaments for Lord Jagannath in upcoming 'Suna Besha': Odisha Minister

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has officially handed over the repaired Ratna Bhandar to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the Minister confirmed.

"The high-level committee will hold a meeting and take a decision about the inventory of Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar soon. In the presence of nominated experts by the RBI with prior experience in auditing ornaments and treasures at major temples, the inventory work will be carried out. Whatever promises the government has given to the people of Odisha have been kept and it will be fulfilled in future as well," said Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.