The precious jewellery and valuables stored inside the Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove) of Puri Jagannath Temple have been found safe and match completely with the inventory list drawn out in 1978, according to temple officials. As the third phase of the inventory process resumed on Monday, chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Arabinda Padhee, stated that the ongoing exercise is being conducted as per the 1978 inventory list following the standard operating procedure (SOP) set by the state government.
“"We are doing the inventory process in a transparent and flawless manner. The current phase of inventory will continue on Tuesday as well. The entire process is being conducted under CCTV surveillance with the presence of only authorised persons allowed. The process is also being video-graphed," Padhee told reporters after the completion of the process.
Context
The phased inventory process of the treasure trove of the 12th-century shrine has been underway since it started in March 2026, after a gap of over 48 years. The second phase was held in May. Padhee mentioned that it would be difficult to estimate the exact timeframe for completing the inventory process.
“"We are focusing on accuracy and transparency in the process rather than doing it in a hurried manner," said Padhee.
The SJTA has also been conducting 3D mapping and scientific cataloguing of the jewellery and valuables of the treasury as part of the process. Certified gemmologists have been included in the inventory process to identify the precious gemstones attached to the jewellery and valuables.
