Second phase scheduled for three days

Bhubaneswar: The second phase of the inventory of the Ratna Bhandar at Jagannath Temple in Puri will be conducted from April 8 to 10, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced on Saturday.

Arrangements in place for rituals and public darshan

Authorities have ensured that daily rituals of Lord Jagannath and public darshan will continue smoothly during the inventory process. The Minister said all preparations are complete for the counting of precious ornaments.

Phase I sees major progress with tech support

The inventory exercise began on March 25 under tight security, involving temple servitors, bank officials, gemologists, and representatives from the RBI. According to SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Kumar Padhee, nearly 80% of movable treasures in the Chalanti Ratna Bhandar were counted using 3D mapping, photography, and videography.

Detailed verification and documentation process

Post-counting, the inventory will be cross-verified with 1978 records. Each ornament will be weighed, identified with the help of gemologists, digitally documented, and securely packed in specially prepared chests based on metal classification.

Focus on security and preservation

Gold, silver, and other ornaments will be wrapped in colour-coded cloths and stored systematically to ensure preservation and transparency in documentation.

Ratha Jatra preparations also underway

Parallelly, review meetings led by Chief Secretary Anu Garg are being held to ensure smooth conduct of the annual Ratha Jatra, with focus on traffic control, decongestion, and road widening around Bada Danda.