Bhubaneswar, March 28: After successful completion of first phase of inventory of Puri’s Shree Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar, the second phase of inventory will be held on April 8, 9 and 10.

Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said that during the three-day process, inventory of the valuables kept in Bahar Bhandar (outer treasury) will be carried out.

“The second phase of inventory of outer Ratna Bhandar will take place on April 8, 9, and 10. Discussions have also been held to ensure that the public darshan and daily rituals of the deities are not disrupted during this time. Following the completion of inventory of Bahar Bhandar, inventory of the inner Ratna Bhandar will be conducted. We hope that all the work will be completed on time,” said Harichandan.

Notably, on March 25, the State Government started an inventory of the Jagannath temple’s Ratna Bhandar, nearly 48 years after its last audit in 1978. The newly-compiled list of the 12th century shrine’s jewellery is being cross-checked against the previous records of 1978.

According to century-old tradition, Ratna Bhandar’s valuables are divided into three categories based on their use for the sibling deities – Lord Jagannath, His elder brother Lord Balabhadra and Their younger sister Goddess Subhadra.

Jewellery that has not been used for a long time is stored in the inner chamber (Bhitar Ratna Bhandar); ornaments used only during major festivals or annual ceremonies are kept in the outer chamber (Bahar Bhandar); and articles meant for daily rituals, known as the Chalanti Bhandar (Living chamber), are stored inside the outer chamber.

On the first day of the exercise on March 25, a 13-member team comprising temple officials, goldsmiths, gemologists, a Reserve Bank of India representative and members of the high-level Ratna Bhandar committee carried out the inventory of daily-use ornaments linked to the Chalanti Bhandar. However, some ornaments could not be counted as they are currently being worn by the deities, including the Rahu Rekha and Ratnachita of the three deities. These will be included in the next phase when rituals permit.

As per the standard operating procedure, digital catalogue of the valuables, detailing their names, types and weights through comprehensive photography, videography and 3D mapping are being done.

The last inventory, conducted between May 13 and July 23, 1978, spanned 72 days.