Puri: The sacred task of cataloging the divine ornaments of the Bahara Ratna Bhandara resumed on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, under a veil of spiritual solemnity and rigorous security at the Shree Jagannatha Temple in Puri.
Following the guidelines established by the State Government’s Standard Operating Procedure, the process continues the monumental effort that began during the auspicious window of March 25.
This phase marks a significant step in the transparent documentation of the centuries-old wealth of the deities, ensuring that every precious item is accounted for while strictly adhering to the temple’s ancient customs and religious protocols.
Before the commencement of today’s proceedings, authorized members gathered at the temple office conference hall. Dr. Arabinda Padhee, the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration, along with the Chairman of the High-Level Committee, briefed the members on the absolute necessity of maintaining confidentiality.
New members were required to sign a formal declaration of secrecy, emphasizing their commitment to the integrity of the process. Following this briefing, the team—which included the District Magistrate, the Superintendent of Police, senior officials, the Chhatisa Nijoga Nayak, and servitors from the Ratna Bhandara Sub-Committee—entered the temple premises at 10:50 AM.
Adhering to centuries-old traditions, all members donned traditional attire before proceeding. As a precautionary and ritualistic measure, the Chief Administrator Dr.Padhee advised all participants to ensure no metallic objects were carried inside. To seek divine blessings for a smooth and disciplined execution of the inventory, the team offered prayers at the shrines of Goddess Bimala, Goddess Bhubaneswari, Maa Bedha Kali, and finally Goddess Lakshmi. Following a security screening through metal detectors at the Beherana Dwar, the members entered the inner precincts.
The outer treasury (Bahara Ratna Bhandara) was officially opened at 11:55 AM in the presence of a Magistrate. Expert goldsmiths, gemologists, and weights and measures officials meticulously inspected and documented the ornaments provided by the Bhandara Mekap. To ensure a modern and transparent record, the entire process was documented through photography and videography to create a comprehensive E-Catalogue.
Upon the conclusion of the day’s activities, the doors of the Ratna Bhandara were sealed in the presence of the Magistrate. All recording devices and data chips containing the inventory footage were securely deposited in the branch office strong room.
According to the decisions made during the high-level meetings, the inventory work is scheduled to continue this Saturday. The Chief Administrator noted that future sessions would be coordinated with the Temple Commander and the Chhatisa Nijoga, utilizing available time slots during the upcoming Bhitara Chandan Yatra.
SJTA Chief, Dr. Padhee expressed his profound gratitude to the servitors, administrative officials, and the devotee community for their unwavering cooperation in ensuring the process remains seamless and respectful of the temple’s sacred traditions.