Inventory of Puri Jagannath Temple’s gold jewellery to begin in Jan 2025

A much-awaited inventory of the Puri Jagannath temple’s invaluable assets including gold and jewellery is set to begin in January 2025.

At the same time, the Odisha government has made it clear that there is no hidden tunnel within the ‘Ratna Bhandar’ or treasure vault — or snakes that supposedly guarding the riches.

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It was the first time in more than four decades that the inner treasury was opened, on Sunday. This happened a day after the state government gave its green signal, upsetting a section of the temple pundits.

No secret chambers, minister says

Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said ground penetrating radar survey showed no indication of secret chambers or concealed assets.

He said preliminary findings by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have revealed minor cracks in the vault but quickly added that these do not pose any threat to the temple structure.

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The ASI will soon begin repair works in the vault before the pilgrimage season begins.

Documenting temple assets

Once these get over, a detailed counting and assessment of the jewels stored in the vault will commence in the new year, Harichandan said. This seeks to document the ensure the safety of the temple’s assets, he added.