The inventory and counting of the Ratna Bhandar in the Puri Srimandir will resume today. The process is scheduled to continue in stages as part of the continuing verification exercise.
The counting process will continue until the 11th of this month. Following this phase, counting will resume from April 13 to 18.
During this time, the temple's inner sanctuary will be closed to visitors. Devotees will be able to observe the outer sanctum, ensuring access despite the ongoing counting activities.
As part of the process, the valuables in the outer sanctuary, including Rajarajeshwar's golden jewels and royal apparel, will be counted. Because these artefacts are so delicate, the counting is expected to continue for several days.To ensure transparency, the temple officials have used modern technologies such as 3D mapping, photography, and videography. These metrics will record each stage of the counting procedure.
Once the counting is completed, the temple will begin the restoration of the sanctum, ensuring that everything is ready for future use.
Meanwhile, discussing the 'Ratna Palankas', Srimandir Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee stated, "Three new 'Ratna Palankas' have been created for the deities, and the senior servitors have educated us on their use. All of the ivory objects from the previous Ratna Palankas have been included into the new ones.