Bhubaneswar, 23 May (H.S.): The inventory and documentation work of the Ratna Bhandar of the Shree Jagannath Temple will remain suspended from May 24, the temple administration announced on Friday. The process is expected to resume in June after a review of prevailing weather conditions and operational requirements.

According to temple authorities, the decision was taken in view of the intense heatwave sweeping across the state and the heavy influx of devotees visiting the shrine. Officials said continuing the inventory exercise under the current circumstances could pose logistical challenges and affect the smooth functioning of temple activities.

The administration stated that priority is now being given to preparations for the upcoming major festivals of Lord Jagannath, particularly the annual Snana Purnima and the world-renowned Rath Yatra. With lakhs of devotees expected to congregate in Puri during the festive season, authorities are focusing on crowd management, security arrangements and the seamless conduct of rituals.

Temple officials said a comprehensive plan for the next phase of the Ratna Bhandar inventory will be finalised after assessing the festival calendar and related logistical requirements.

Meanwhile, the administration informed that a series of meetings involving the Chhattisha Nijog and the temple management committee will commence next week. The discussions are expected to focus on preparations for the upcoming religious events as well as the future roadmap for completing the Ratna Bhandar inventory process.

The temporary suspension is aimed at ensuring smooth temple management and facilitating extensive preparations for the forthcoming festivals, which attract devotees from across India and abroad.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda