Inventory, valuation of Puri Srimandir deities’ ornaments to be conducted in phases

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri announced a phased and meticulous counting of the temple’s Ratna Bhandar items following a managing committee meeting held on Friday. Officials clarified that the exercise will be conducted only when there are no pressing rituals, ensuring that devotees face no disruption.

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A new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will guide the process, emphasising accuracy and error-free inventory. While no strict timeline has been set, the objective is to complete the counting systematically and without mistakes rather than sticking to time.

Besides, the SJTA has approved a proposal to craft a new set of gold ornaments for Lord Jagannath and His siblings. Plans are underway to allow devotees to contribute voluntarily toward this initiative, further involving the community in the temple’s sacred activities.

The temple authorities emphasised that all efforts will prioritise both meticulous accounting and uninterrupted devotion at the shrine, ensuring that religious observances and rituals continue smoothly throughout the inventory process.

The shifting process will be conducted under tight security, CCTV surveillance, and expert supervision, involving temple officials, government representatives, jewellery experts, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Focus will be on ensuring no discrepancies and maintaining utmost transparency during the audit.

This is part of a larger effort to restore, preserve, and safeguard the Srimandir's invaluable treasures.

“Digital inventories of whatever items (ornaments) are there will be prepared. RBI (Reserve Bank of India) officials will remain present, and the inventory will be conducted in different phases. It is not that counting (Ganati) will continue till completion, once it begins. Rather, the counting will be done when there is no pressure of rituals,” SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee expressed while briefing to mediapersons.

“Moreover, a decision was taken to make another set of gold ornaments for Lord Jagannath and His siblings,” the SJTA Chief Administrator added.