Puri: The inventory of the sacred Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannatha Temple enters a pivotal phase this month as Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, oversees the meticulous counting and verification of the Lord’s divine ornaments.
SJTA Chief, Dr. Padhee announced that the process, known as Ganati-Manati, resumed on Monday evening. The administration has carved out a nine-day window in May to document the centuries-old treasures of the Inner Treasury, ensuring that the sanctity of the temple remains uncompromised during this historic undertaking.
Under the guidance of Dr. Padhee, the SJTA is navigating a complex schedule that balances administrative duty with the temple’s rich ritualistic calendar.
The inventory work paused briefly to honor the ongoing Chandan Jatra rituals of Lord Jagannatha and his siblings, showcasing Dr. Padhee’s commitment to placing spiritual traditions at the forefront of the administration’s efforts. The counting began on May 11 and, with eight additional dates scheduled throughout the month to bring the massive task to a conclusion.
The process is being conducted with a deep sense of reverence and precision. SJTA Chief Dr. Padhee has emphasized that every step of the inventory—including the verification of more than one hundred items already documented—is being performed in strict adherence to the Standard Operating Procedure issued by the Odisha Government.
This includes sophisticated measures such as 3D mapping, high-definition photography, and videography to capture the historical and cultural essence of the ornaments belonging to Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra, and Debi Subhadra.
To maintain the spiritual atmosphere of the Srimandir, Dr. Padhee and his team have ensured that the presence of experts and officials does not disrupt the flow of devotion.
While jewellery specialists and representatives from the Reserve Bank of India work behind the sealed doors of the Bhitara Ratna Bhandar under heavy security, the faithful are still permitted to offer their prayers from the Bahara Katha.
This arrangement reflects Dr. Padhee’s vision of transparency and discipline, protecting the invaluable heritage of the Trinity while allowing the pulse of daily worship to beat steadily in the heart of Puri.