Bhubaneswar, 08 April (H.S.) : The ongoing inventory of precious ornaments and valuables stored in the Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannath Temple is set to be completed ahead of the annual Snana Yatra, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Wednesday.

According to the minister, the next phase of the inventory process will commence on April 13, following the second phase scheduled from April 8 to April 11. The April exercise is expected to span approximately 10 to 12 days. Additional phases are planned for May and June to ensure the entire process is concluded before the Snana Yatra, also known as Deva Snana Purnima—the ceremonial bathing festival of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.

Highlighting the use of modern technology in the process, Harichandan said that officials are verifying current records against the 1978 audit data. Each item in the Ratna Bhandar is being digitally photographed to ensure accuracy and transparency.

He further noted that once the inventory is completed, the government will take a decision regarding long-term preservation and management of the temple’s valuables

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda