Bhubaneswar, 22 August (H.S.): The inventory and counting of valuables stored in the Ratna Bhandar of Srimandir in Puri will be conducted on August 31 and September 1, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) announced on Saturday.

The decision has been taken keeping in view the observance of various festivals at the temple. The counting and inventory process will be carried out in accordance with the procedures approved by the state government.

The temple administration has sought the cooperation of servitors and devotees to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.

The last counting and weighing, known as Ganati-Manati, of ornaments from the Ratna Bhandar was conducted in July this year. During the exercise, jewellery used for the deities, including ornaments offered during Snana Purnima, was examined and documented.

The process covered the counting and identification of sacred ornaments such as Rahu Rekha, gold Chita and silver Rasika, besides other valuables associated with the deities. The ornaments were also weighed, while the entire exercise was videographed for official documentation.

According to SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee, experts specialising in precious gems and ornaments were engaged to identify and examine the jewellery during the process.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda