Jagannath Temple / Ratna Bhandar Inventory to Be Conducted Based on 1978 List; Fresh Record Won't Be Public, Says Minister

Bhubaneswar, Sep 11: The inventory of the Ratna Bhandar at Jagannath Temple in Puri will be conducted based on the list prepared in 1978, but the fresh inventory record will not be made available in the public domain, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said.

On Thursday, Harichandan said the ongoing inventory exercise is being carried out with complete transparency. However, the detailed list of ornaments will be preserved as an official record and will not be released for general public use.

1978 List To Serve As Reference
The Law Minister said the inventory list prepared in 1978 would serve as the basis for the current counting and verification process.

A fresh record will be prepared after the entire inventory exercise is completed.

The Ratna Bhandar houses several rare and valuable ornaments studded with precious gemstones, including pearls and rubies, Harichandan said.

As part of the exercise, three-dimensional mapping, photography and videography are also being undertaken to document the rare and valuable ornaments.

The inventory is expected to continue for a considerable period after the upcoming Durga Puja and is likely to be completed before the month of Margashira.

Fresh Inventory Details To Stay Restricted
Harichandan said the new inventory record would be preserved in the same manner as the list prepared in 1978.

He said the record could remain preserved for the next 100, 200 or even 300 years until another inventory is conducted. Authorised persons at the government level would be able to access it whenever required.

However, the minister ruled out making the detailed list available for general public use, particularly for social media content.

Confidentiality Linked To Temple Customs
The Law Minister also linked the confidentiality of the inventory to the longstanding traditions and rituals associated with Lord Jagannath.

He said the Ratna Bhandar is connected with confidential temple rituals and that entry into the treasury is restricted.

According to Harichandan, making detailed inventory information openly available would not be appropriate and could go against established temple traditions.

He reiterated that the complete record would nevertheless be properly preserved and deposited with the government, allowing authorised officials to access it whenever required.