Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently oversaw the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for cataloging the valuables stored in the ‘Ratna Bhandar’ of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. The state government officials disclosed that the assessment and validation of gold ornaments and gems in the temple’s treasure chamber will kick off shortly. At a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Majhi at Lok Seva Bhavan, the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple administration, Arabinda Kumar Padhee, presented a detailed overview.
All preliminary steps for the assessment and validation process have been finalized, as per an official press release. The Archaeological Survey of India completed the restoration and conservation work of both the inner and outer Ratna Bhandar within 95 days, spanning 333 hours of labor. Consequently, the temple authorities and the state government are fully geared up for the upcoming operation. The Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee has devised a comprehensive SOP for the inventory, awaiting approval from the state government to commence the process.
The entire exercise will be carried out with utmost transparency under stringent security protocols, officials stressed. The last assessment and validation took place back in 1978. During the ongoing process, the assets housed in the Ratna Bhandar will be cross-checked with the 1978 inventory record to compile a final list. Additionally, the procedure will involve photography and the establishment of a digital catalog. The meeting also addressed the arrangements for this year’s Rath Yatra. Acknowledging the substantial need for Phasi and sandalwood in crafting the chariots, Chief Minister Majhi instructed officials to propose tree plantation under forest schemes.
Odisha Works and Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan and State Chief Secretary Anu Garg were among the attendees at the high-level meeting.
