Puri, Ap 13: The counting and verification of the treasures inside the Shri Jagannath Temple are set to begin today. A preparatory meeting was held on Sunday at the temple office, chaired by the temple’s Chief Administrator, Dr. Arabinda K Padhee.

The meeting was attended by the Puri District Collector, the head of the temple’s high-level treasure committee, and members of the counting team. Following standard operating procedures (SOPs), the keys to the inner treasury will be brought from the district treasury, and the treasury will be opened in the presence of the District Collector and a magistrate.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on how the counting of the temple’s jewels will be conducted, who will remain inside and outside the treasury, and all necessary arrangements for the process. Each piece of jewelry will undergo 3D screening and digital photography. A digital catalog of the treasures will be prepared, ensuring that any future counting can be conducted efficiently and quickly.

According to the 1978 record, the inner treasury houses a total of 367 types of gold ornaments, including crowns, earrings, nose rings, necklaces, armlets, and bracelets, with a total weight of 4,364 tolas. In addition, there are 231 silver ornaments weighing 1,478 tolas. These records will be reconciled during the upcoming counting process.