Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has announced that the formal inventory of the Puri Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar (treasure chamber) will commence shortly. Following the complete structural renovation of the treasury, the deities' ornaments have been safely reinstalled.
A high-level committee, led by Justice Biswanath Rath, is scheduled to meet on December 27 to finalize the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The primary objective is to verify current holdings against the last official inventory list documented in 1978.
Key Developments:
Timeline: While the government estimates the full process may take 5–6 months, Justice Rath aims to complete the initial phase by January.
Approval Process: The plan requires a nod from the Temple Managing Committee before final government notification.
Public Appeal: Justice Rath has sought the cooperation of all Jagannath devotees to ensure a transparent and smooth enumeration.