Puri: The shimmering treasures of the Ratna Bhandar inside the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple will remain untouched for now. The temple administration has temporarily halted the ongoing inventorisation and counting of jewellery and valuables during the busy Rath Yatra period, citing ritual requirements and festival schedules.
Confirming the pause, SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee said certain ornaments are traditionally taken out for ceremonies, including when the deities are seated on the Ratna Singhasana (bejewelled throne) or during Snana Purnima. "We have a very short window to inventory specific alankaras such as Sua Thantia, Rahu Rekha, Chita, and others," he explained.
The administration stressed that the process will resume after the festival, strictly following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The focus, officials added, remains on ensuring smooth rituals and darshan for millions of devotees thronging Puri during the grand chariot festival.
The Bhitara Ratna Bhandar, the temple's inner chamber, holds priceless ornaments and sacred heritage. Once the Rath Yatra concludes, the paused inventory work will continue, balancing tradition with accountability.