Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar Inventory to Commence on March 25
In a significant announcement, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has declared that the inventory of the Ratna Bhandar, the treasure trove of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, will begin on March 25. Temple chief administrator Arabinda Kumar Padhee made this statement on Monday, highlighting the complexities involved in the process.
Uncertain Timeline Despite High Court Directive
While the Orissa High Court had directed the government on January 27 to complete the inventory within three months, the SJTA has not fixed a definitive timeline for the exercise. Padhee emphasized that the last inventory, conducted in 1978, spanned over 70 days from May 13 to July 23. He noted, "Given the complexity of daily rituals, it is difficult to predict how long the upcoming inventory will take. If necessary, we will seek an extension from the high court." This statement came after a meeting of the temple managing committee.
Auspicious Timing and Operational Details
The inventory will commence during an auspicious period between 12:12 pm and 1:45 pm on March 25. It will not be carried out on weekends or major festive occasions to avoid disruptions to temple activities. To facilitate the process, the temple committee formed two teams on February 16: a supervising team and a handling team.
- Supervising Team: Includes the chief administrator, two members from the high-level committee on Ratna Bhandar, and one member of the Ratna Bhandar sub-committee. This team will monitor proceedings.
- Handling Team: Comprises the chief administrator, HLC chairman, a servitor from the temple managing committee, four other servitors, six empanelled goldsmiths of a PSU bank, two gemologists, two officials from the Reserve Bank of India, and two photographers. This team will audit the gems and jewellery.
Padhee clarified that only three members of the supervisory team and ten members of the handling team will be allowed inside the Ratna Bhandar at any given time to ensure security and efficiency.
Budget Allocation and Historical Context
The state government has allocated Rs 5 crore in the budget for this exercise, underscoring its importance. The Ratna Bhandar, last inventoried over four decades ago, holds immense religious and historical significance, making this a critical undertaking for the temple administration and devotees alike.
