Odisha govt likely to conduct Jagannath Temple Ratna Bhandar inventory in Aug: Harichandan

A day after the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) completed repair and conservation work of the sacred Ratna Bhandar (treasury) of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Tuesday said the long-awaited inventory of valuables stored in the treasury may begin in August with the assistance of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

- PBD BUREAU/PTI

Responding to a question on the next step after ASI's conservation efforts, the minister said, "The inventory of the valuables in the Ratna Bhandar could be undertaken any time in August. The state government will soon write to the RBI, requesting it to deploy experts who have experience in auditing temple ornaments and treasures, such as at the Somnath Temple."

The minister informed that the inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar was last opened in 1978 — 46 years ago — when the inventory of gold ornaments and other valuables was conducted.

Since then, there has been a longstanding demand from the people of Odisha for a fresh inventory.