High-level committee meets as Ratna Bhandar inventory process begins at Puri Srimandir

The process for conducting an inventory of the ornaments housed in the Ratna Bhandar of Srimandir in Puri has officially begun with the commencement of a meeting of the Ratna Bhandar Inspection Committee.

The high-level committee meeting is being held under the chairmanship of Justice Biswanath Rath. During the meeting, detailed discussions are being carried out, and necessary steps will be taken strictly in accordance with the guidelines issued by the State Government.

As the New Year approaches, Srimandir is expected to witness a massive influx of devotees, with lakhs of pilgrims visiting the temple during this period. In view of this, opening the Ratna Bhandar at that time may not be feasible. 

Consequently, the committee will decide on a suitable date in January for opening the Ratna Bhandar. The exact date and auspicious time will be finalised after due consideration.

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The committee will also determine the duration for which devotees’ darshan may be suspended during the inventory process, keeping in mind the security of the sacred ornaments. Adequate measures will be taken to ensure the safety and protection of the valuables while the counting and verification are underway.

As part of the exercise, all the precious ornaments belonging to the presiding deities will be digitally documented. The inventory will be carried out by cross-verifying the ornaments with the records maintained during the previous official inventory conducted in 1978.