The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has officially announced that the second phase of the inventory of the Ratna Bhandar (the temple’s sacred treasury) will resume on April 8, 2026. This historic exercise, which returned after a 48-year hiatus on March 25, enters its most critical stage as officials prepare to document the vast collection of gold, silver, and precious gemstones stored within the 12th-century shrine.
Under the guidance of Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan and SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Arvind Padhi, a 20-member specialized team—including gemologists, RBI representatives, and temple servitors—will carry out the valuation and documentation (Ganati-Manati) over a three-day window from April 8 to April 10.
The Resumption of a Historic Audit
The inventory of the Ratna Bhandar is not merely an administrative task; it is a momentous event for millions of devotees worldwide. After the initial phase began in late March, the upcoming April 8 schedule marks the continuation of a process last fully completed in 1978.
The Law Minister has confirmed that the upcoming phase will target the Bahara Ratna Bhandar (Outer Treasury) and prepare for the deeper Bhitar Bhandar (Inner Treasury). Approximately 80% of the counting for the outer chamber was reported as completed in the initial days, making this next session pivotal for finalizing the data.
Technology Meets Tradition
Unlike the 72-day manual exercise of 1978, the 2026 inventory is leveraging modern tools to ensure speed and precision:
- Digital Photography & 3D Mapping: Every ornament and gemstone is being digitally recorded to create a permanent archival record.
- Expert Valuation: Gemologists and representatives from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are on-site to assist in the identification and weighing of items.
- Color-Coded Storage: Following strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), gold items are wrapped in yellow cloth, while silver is secured in white, before being stored in specially reinforced chests.
Ensuring Seamless Devotion
One of the primary concerns for the SJTA is the balance between the audit and the temple's living traditions. Dr. Arvind Padhi emphasized that the inventory will only occur on specific days, excluding Sundays and major festival days, to avoid clashing with sacred "niti" (rituals). Devotees can rest assured that darshan will remain open, though access to certain inner barricades like the 'Bhitara Katha' may be restricted during the actual counting hours.
What Lies Within?
Historically, the Ratna Bhandar is divided into three categories of assets:
- Category I: Ornaments kept in the Inner Treasury that are never used.
- Category II: Ornaments used during major festivals and ceremonies (like Suna Besha).
- Category III: Items for the daily use of the deities.
According to the 1978 records, the treasury housed over 128 kg of gold and 221 kg of silver. Given the decades of subsequent donations into the temple 'Hundi,' the current valuation is expected to be significantly higher.
Looking Ahead
The goal is to complete the entire inventory by Akshaya Tritiya (April 19, 2026), which also marks the start of the chariot-making process for the annual Rath Yatra. By digitizing these assets now, the SJTA aims to ensure transparency and the preservation of Odisha’s cultural heritage for generations to come.