Law minister reviews Ratna Bhandar inventory preparations

Bhubaneswar: Law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Monday reviewed preparations for the inventory of Jagannath temple’s Ratna Bhandar, set to start on Wednesday. He assured that the govt is fully prepared and the exercise will follow the approved standard operating procedure.

The minister highlighted that the jewellery will be digitally preserved and catalogued using advanced 3D scanning technology, ensuring detailed records for heritage protection, transparency, and future generations.

As per plan, special scanners will capture ornaments from all angles to create precise 3D models showing shape, size, weight, carvings, and texture. “These models will be stored in a secure database, with digital catalogue entries including dimensions, and types of gems and jewellery,” Harichandan said adding that the findings will be matched with the 1978 audit report. He reiterated that no valuation of the Ratna Bhandar’s articles will be undertaken.

The initiative aims to safeguard cultural heritage, maintain accountability, and provide digital access for scholars, historians, and devotees without handling the originals.

On Feb 16, the shrine body formed two teams to oversee the exercise. The supervisory team includes the chief administrator, two members from the high-level committee on Ratna Bhandar, and one member of the sub-committee. The handling team comprises the chief administrator, the HLC chairman, a servitor from the temple managing committee, four other servitors, six empanelled goldsmiths from a PSU bank, two gemologists, two RBI officials, and two photographers.

While the supervisory team will monitor proceedings, the handling team will audit the gems and ornaments. The state govt has allocated Rs 5 crore in the budget for the exercise.