Odisha plans Ratna Bhandar inventory in August with RBI aid, verifying 1978 records and creating new ornaments for Suna Besha ritual
OdishaPlus Bureau
A day after the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) finalized the repair and conservation of the sacred Ratna Bhandar (treasury) at Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced on Tuesday that the long-anticipated inventory of the valuables housed in the treasury may commence in August with the support of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
In response to an inquiry regarding the subsequent steps following ASI’s conservation efforts, the minister stated, “The inventory of the valuables in the Ratna Bhandar could be initiated at any point in August. The state government will shortly contact the RBI, requesting the deployment of experts experienced in auditing temple ornaments and treasures, similar to those at the Somnath Temple.”
The minister also revealed that the inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar was last accessed in 1978 — 46 years ago — during which an inventory of gold ornaments and other valuables was performed.
Since that time, there has been a persistent demand from the citizens of Odisha for a new inventory. In fulfilment of a significant electoral promise, the BJP-led state government has recently established a high-level committee chaired by retired Orissa High Court judge Justice Biswanath Rath to supervise the inventory process of the jewellery and other treasures stored in the Ratna Bhandar.
Harichandan stated that the state already has a record of the items cataloged in 1978, and the forthcoming stock-taking exercise will entail a comprehensive verification.
“We will compare the current stock with the 1978 inventory to ensure precision. Skilled goldsmiths will participate, and the procedure will involve digital photography and cataloguing, including details such as weight and design,” he remarked.
As per the 1978 inventory report, the Ratna Bhandar holds approximately 128 kg of gold and over 200 kg of silver, in addition to various ornaments that feature gold coatings. The minister also disclosed that the state government intends to create a new collection of gold and silver ornaments for the Trinity — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra — for the Suna Besha ritual. “Numerous devotees and servitors have conveyed that the deities ought to be adorned with new jewellery, as the existing ornaments have been utilized for an extended period,” he noted. To facilitate this initiative, the government will promote public contributions.
The government is considering reaching out to devotees for contributions of gold to create a new collection of ornaments intended for use during Suna Besha,” Harichandan stated, further adding, “The BJP government is dedicated to honoring its electoral commitments.