Inventory of valuables of Ratna Bhandar will not be conducted in the temporary strongroom created in the Jagannath Temple

BHUBANESWAR: Government on Sunday said the inventory of valuables of Ratna Bhandar will not be conducted in the temporary strongroom created in the Jagannath Temple to store the jewellery shifted from the treasury for its structural repair.
Arabinda Padhee, chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), said the inventory will be carried out inside the Ratna Bhandar when its repair and conservation work is completed.
“Our priority is to repair cracks on the roof and walls. When ASI completes the conservation work, we will shift the valuables from the temporary strongroom to the Ratna Bhandar. Enumeration and inventory of jewellery will start inside the renovated Ratna Bhandar,” Padhee said.
Asked about the date of commencement of the inventory, Padhee said it will be finalised after completion of ASI’s conservation work.
Sources said the govt is likely to issue a new set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for inventory. They will highlight the persons who would be involved in the inventory, their daily work schedule and possible restrictions on darshan system.
“We will try to ensure that the daily rituals of the deities are not affected when the inventory work is taken up in Ratna Bhandar, which is near the sanctum sanctorum. Only duty-bound servitors would be allowed to perform rituals inside the sanctum sanctorum,” Padhee said.
While the last inventory of Ratna Bhandar’s valuables was carried out for 70 days from May 13 to July 23, 1978, there is no deadline for the fresh inventory.
Government has not yet selected experts, including goldsmiths, gemologists and gold valuers. The govt-appointed 16-member committee, tasked with overseeing the inventory of valuables, has already said the identification of ancient jewellery would be a big challenge. Government sources said some goldsmiths and gemologists from outside the state are likely to be hired for the task.