Valuables inside treasure trove safe, match 1978 inventory: Jagannath Temple officials

Precious jewellery and valuables stored inside the Ratna Bhandar, the treasure trove of Puri Jagannath Temple, have been found safe and match exactly with the inventory list drawn in 1978, according to temple officials. The third phase of the inventory process resumed on Monday, following the standard operating procedure set by the state government.

Chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Arabinda Padhee stated that the inventory process is being conducted transparently and flawlessly, being carried out under CCTV surveillance with only authorized personnel present.

The phased inventory process of the treasure trove, which began in March 2026 after a gap of over 48 years, is ongoing. The second phase was held in May, and Padhee mentioned that it would be challenging to predict the exact timeframe for completing the inventory process. The focus is on accuracy and transparency rather than speed. The SJTA has also been conducting 3D mapping and scientific cataloguing of the jewellery and valuables.

During the 1978 inventory process, several precious gemstones couldn't be audited due to a lack of expertise. To address this, certified gemmologists are now being roped in to identify the precious gemstones attached to the jewellery and valuables. Some precious jewellery items are stored in wooden boxes inside the treasury, which will be included in the inventory process in the next phase.

Once the inventory process is complete, the matter will be presented to the managing committee of the 12th-century shrine for approval. Following that, the state government will decide whether to make the list of valuables public or not. The safety of the Ratna Bhandar was a significant political issue during the 2024 election, with top BJP leaders questioning the safety of the valuables.

The BJP defeated the BJD in the 2024 Assembly polls and formed the government in Odisha. The Ratna Bhandar, also known as the secret chambers, was opened for inventory and repairs on July 14, 2024.