Puri, Aug. 31 (UDN): The much-awaited process of counting and weighing ornaments kept in the Ratna Bhandar of Puri Srimandir began on Monday and is scheduled to continue till Tuesday, following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) approved by the Odisha government.
The two-day exercise is being undertaken ahead of various upcoming festivals and is aimed at completing the inventory and verification of the valuables kept inside the temple treasury.
Inner Ratna Bhandar inventory nearing completion
The counting and matching of items in the Inner Ratna Bhandar has already reached its final stage. The remaining ornaments are expected to be covered during the current two-day exercise.
During an earlier counting session held around Rath Yatra, the exercise continued for approximately 2 hours and 27 minutes. Nine rare ornaments used by the deities were counted and their details were matched with the records.
However, the Jhoba Kanthi could not be counted and weighed during that session as it was being worn by the deities.
The process also covered three Anta Pati (waist belts), also known as silver Rasika, along with three Suathantiya, three Rahu Rekha and three Ratna Chita. Their counting and matching were completed.
Previous inventory exercise held in July
The Ratna Bhandar inventory and valuation exercise was also conducted in July 2026. During that process, jewellery used by the deities, along with ornaments offered during Snana Purnima, was examined, counted and weighed.
The entire exercise was videographed to maintain a detailed record and ensure transparency in the inventory process.
Experts specialising in precious stones and ornaments were also involved in identifying and verifying the jewellery.
The latest counting and weighing exercise is expected to provide a more comprehensive record of the ornaments and valuables preserved in the historic treasury of Puri Srimandir.