Puri: As the inventory work of the Puri Jagannath Temple’s ‘Ratna Bhandar’ resumed after the annual Rath Yatra, a senior official Monday said that the jewellery and valuables stored inside the treasury so far matched the 1978 list of inventory.
The inventory process is being conducted strictly adhering to the state government-approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under CCTV surveillance and the presence of a magistrate and authorised persons.
The previous inventory was held on July 19 when the deities were at Sri Gundicha Temple on Rath Yatra.
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee said, “Today we entered into the inner chamber of the treasury at 11.30 am and inventory work continued till 6.55 PM.”
Padhee, an IAS officer, has been monitoring the entire process since the beginning of inventory work on March 25. The temple conducts inventory of its Ratna Bhadar a gap of 48 years.
Padhee said that the administration needs an additional SOP to get approved from the state government for the inventory of three caskets placed within the inner chamber of the treasury.
“These could not be counted within the inner Ratha Bhandar keeping in view their sizes. Therefore, we plan to undertake inventory at ‘Khata Seja Ghar’ (a large room close to the treasury),” he told reporters.
Padhee said all authorised persons, including himself, undergo thorough security checking before and after entering the Ratna Bhandar. The inventory work continues amid tight security and adherence to the SOP.
“In order to maintain transparency, all the valuables are digitally documented using advanced 3D mapping alongside high-definition photography and videography,” he said.
Asked when the process will be tentatively completed, Padhee said, “We are not in a hurry to complete it, but stress on accuracy, transparency of the process. In 1978, it had taken 72 days. This time, the inventory is done very accurately by engaging gemologists and using technology.”
He said a wide variety of stones are attached to valuable items, and those are being checked.
The SJTA official said gemologists have a big role in inventory because some items contain many valuable stones, including diamonds.
Padhee said all arrangements have been made for the uninterrupted conduct of the rituals of the deities and smooth darshan of devotees from ‘Bahar Katha’ (outer chamber) during the inventory work inside Ratna Bhandar.
Padhee said the inventory work will also be undertaken September 1.
Meanwhile, SJTA officials said that the air-conditioning facilities were installed at the ‘Nata Mandap’ (dancing hall) of the temple so that devotees get comfort inside the temple and relief from hot and humid weather.