Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Puri Ratna Bhandar Valuables Match 1978 Inventory List
The Ratna Bhandar is a treasury inside the Puri Jagannath Temple.
Workers are checking the jewellery and other valuable items kept there.
So far, the items match a list made in 1978.
The checking is being watched by cameras, a magistrate and authorised officials.
Experts called gemologists are examining the stones, including diamonds.
The workers are also taking photographs and videos and making digital maps.
Three large boxes still need to be counted in another nearby room.
Officials say they are taking their time so the count is accurate and transparent.
Valuables inventoried so far inside Puri Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar match the 1978 inventory list.
The inventory resumed after Rath Yatra and was conducted under CCTV surveillance with a magistrate and authorised personnel present.
Three large caskets inside the inner chamber still require a separate government-approved procedure for counting.
Officials are using gemologists, 3D mapping, high-definition photography and videography to document the valuables.
The administration is prioritising accuracy and transparency, with inventory work scheduled to continue on September 1.
- Who
- The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, led by Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee, is conducting the inventory with authorised personnel, a magistrate and gemologists.
- What
- Officials are inventorying jewellery and valuables in the Ratna Bhandar and have found that items checked so far match the 1978 inventory list.
- When
- The work resumed after the annual Rath Yatra; the latest session ran from 11:30 a.m. to 6:55 p.m., and further work was scheduled for September 1.
- Where
- Inside the Ratna Bhandar of the Puri Jagannath Temple; three large caskets are planned to be examined at the nearby Khata Seja Ghar.
- Why
- The administration is conducting the inventory to establish an accurate and transparent record of the temple’s valuables.
- Previous inventory
- The previous inventory was conducted in 1978 and took 72 days.
- Inventory gap
- The temple’s Ratna Bhandar is being inventoried after a gap of 48 years.
- Items checked
- Jewellery and valuables inspected so far match the 1978 inventory list.
- Uncounted containers
- Three caskets in the inner chamber require a separate inventory arrangement because of their size.
- Documentation
- Officials are using 3D mapping, high-definition photography and videography.
- Oversight
- The process is conducted under CCTV surveillance with a magistrate and authorised persons present.
- Next scheduled work
- Inventory work is also scheduled for September 1.