Jagannath Temple treasure list: High-level panel deliberates on SOP; No date has been decided yet

The high-level committee formed to monitor the inventory of the gem stores of the Jagannath temple in Puri on Saturday began deliberations on a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for counting the jewelery and valuables stored in the treasury of the deity.

Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator Arabinda Padhi said the first meeting of the committee, chaired by Justice Biswanath Rath, discussed various aspects for over four hours, with special focus on security arrangements and ensuring uninterrupted rituals at the 12th century temple.

Padhi said, “The committee has not fixed any date to start the physical inventory of valuables. A new SOP is being prepared based on the old SOP finalized by the state government on July 13, 2024 and August 12, 2024 for the inauguration and renovation of the Ratna Bhandar. The fresh SOP will be sent to the Shri Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) for approval.”

Also read: Jagannath Temple Ratna Bhandar: Treasury audit to be completed by April 2026

SJTA Chief Administrator said that as per the draft SOP, anyone entering and exiting the gem store during and after the inventory will have to undergo proper checking and screening. Puri District Collector will depute a magistrate to monitor proper implementation of the SOP.

“When the inner chamber of the gem store is inspected, officials have to deposit the keys in the district treasury every day after counting and weighing the valuables,” Padhi said.

Responding to a question, Padhi said the inventory dates would be finalized in the SJTMC meeting with the approval of the state government.

The last inventory of valuables was conducted in 1978. This process required 72 days to complete.