Puri: Today, March 25, 2026, marks a historic and deeply spiritual milestone for millions of devotees worldwide as the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) commenced the long-awaited inventory of the Ratna Bhandar.
Under the leadership of Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the sacred exercise began during the auspicious Mahendra Bela window between 12:09 pm and 1:45 pm, following the traditions of the 12th-century shrine.
The atmosphere in Puri is one of profound devotion and meticulous discipline. Clad in traditional dhoti and gamchha, the authorized team—comprising temple servitors, gemologists, and representatives from the Reserve Bank of India—entered the hallowed precincts to document the divine assets of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
This inventory, known locally as Ganati Manati, is the first comprehensive audit of its kind in 48 years, aimed at preserving the heritage and ensuring the transparency of the Lord’s treasury.
SJTA Chief Administrator, Dr. Padhee expressed a sense of divine grace, stating that the team feels truly blessed to undertake this sacred endeavor. The process is being conducted in three distinct phases, starting with the movable ornaments of the outer chamber before moving to the inner sanctum.
To honor the emotional and religious sentiments of the public, the administration has ensured that the daily Niti-Kanti (rituals) remain completely undisturbed. While security is paramount, devotees continue to catch glimpses of the Holy Trinity from the Bahar Katha, maintaining the spiritual connection between the Lord and His children.
Modern technology is being harmoniously blended with ancient tradition. Each ornament is being digitally catalogued and photographed, with 3D mapping used to create a permanent record for future generations.
Gold items are being wrapped in yellow velvet, silver in white, and other precious gems in red, before being secured in specially prepared chests.
This unique day serves as a bridge between the records of 1978 and a future of documented preservation, all carried out under the watchful eyes of the presiding deities of the universe.