Puri: The sacred inventory process of the Shree Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandara entered a significant phase on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Under the divine canopy of tradition and strict government guidelines, the second day of the second phase saw the meticulous counting of ornaments and valuables stored in the Bahara Ratna Bhandara (outer treasury). The atmosphere at the 12th-century shrine was a blend of spiritual gravity and administrative precision as authorized members gathered to carry out this historic task.
Before the commencement of the inventory, Chief Administrator Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) Dr. Arabinda Padhee addressed the dedicated team, including the temple goldsmiths (Bania Sevaks), Tadhau Karana, and Deula Karana. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the temple’s age-old traditions while performing the duty with absolute integrity and without succumb to external pressures. The procession, led by Dr. Padhee and members of the High-Level Committee, included the Collector, Superintendent of Police, and senior officials, all entering the temple premises at 10:55 AM.
In a display of deep devotion, the members donned traditional attire before seeking the blessings of the presiding deities. They visited the shrines of Goddess Bimala, Goddess Bhubaneswari, and Goddess Bedha Kali, finally bowing before Goddess Lakshmi to seek her divine permission for the task ahead. Following this spiritual preparation, the team underwent security checks via metal detectors near the Beherana Dwar to ensure the sanctity and safety of the process.
The doors of the outer treasury were officially opened at 12:05 PM in the presence of a Magistrate. The process was not merely a physical count but a fusion of tradition and modern technology. While the temple goldsmiths and gemologists inspected the quality and weight of the jewels, the administration utilized 3D scanning, high-resolution photography, and videography to create a comprehensive E-Catalogue of the Lord’s wealth. Every piece of jewelry was documented with the utmost care, mirroring the precision of the previous day’s work.
The day’s proceedings concluded at 6:10 PM, at which point the Ratna Bhandara was sealed in the presence of the Magistrate. To ensure total transparency and security, all digital data chips containing the recordings and documentation were safely deposited in the strong room of the branch office.
Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, SJTA Chief, Dr. Arabinda Padhee thanked the servitors, the temple administration, and the police personnel for their seamless coordination. He also extended his appreciation to the devotees and the media for their patience and cooperation, marking the day as a successful step in preserving the heritage of Lord Jagannath for future generations.