Jagannath Temple has nearly Rs 2,000 cr deposits

The Jagannath Temple in Puri possesses a substantial amount of assets, with bank deposits nearing Rs 2,000 crore as of August 31, according to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). The temple holds approximately 60,821 acres of land spread across various states in India, including 60,426 acres in Odisha and 395 acres in six other states.

Its wealth also includes gold, diamonds, and other valuables stored in the Ratna Bhandar, which is undergoing an inventory assessment after a 48-year gap. As of August 31, Rs 1,811 crore was invested in fixed deposits across three schemes, with Rs 1,311 crore in public sector banks, Rs 500 crore from the Odisha government, and Rs 100.71 crore in savings, current, and flexi accounts.

Income for the temple comes from various sources, including donations, earnings from quarries and mines, interest on fixed deposits, and government grants. Daily counting of donations, such as through the Hundi system, and the launch of a digital donation platform called Samarpan, promote transparency and accessibility for devotees worldwide.

The temple's valuables remain under stringent security, and its governance is overseen by the Odisha government under the Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955.