Puri, Mar 25: The long-awaited inventory of precious valuables stored in the Ratna Bhandar of the Puri Srimandir will begin on Wednesday, under strict security measures to ensure the safety and transparency of the process. The inventory exercise, which has been planned meticulously, will commence within a specific time window of 12:09 PM to 1:45 PM, an auspicious period chosen for the entry of the inventory team.

Officials have outlined that the counting and verification of the ornaments and other valuables will be carried out during this time frame, with a multi-layered security cover in place. To ensure proper documentation, the entire process will involve videography, photography, and 3D mapping.

The initial phase of the inventory process will focus on movable items, with a detailed comparison made against the last inventory list, which was compiled in 1978. This will include a meticulous examination and cataloging of gold and silver ornaments, as well as other precious materials stored in the shrine’s treasure trove.

As per standard procedure, the gold ornaments will be carefully wrapped in yellow velvet cloth and placed in tin boxes for secure storage in chests. Silver items will be covered in white or silver-colored cloth, while other valuable items will be protected by red velvet fabric to maintain their preservation.

The entire exercise will be conducted following the guidelines laid out by the Odisha government. A team of experts, including two specialists from the Reserve Bank of India, a representative from UCO Bank, and temple goldsmiths, has been engaged to carry out the valuation and verification of gold, gemstones, and other precious items.

Notably, the inventory process will not take place on special occasions, festivals, Saturdays, or Sundays. During the process, devotees will be allowed to have darshan from outside the barricaded area, ensuring that the ongoing inventory does not disrupt regular temple activities.