What’s Next for Puri’s Shree Jagannath Temple? Major Changes Ahead!

Reconstitution of the Temple Managing Committee

Puri: On Friday, Odisha's Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced that the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) will be restructured within a week. This significant move is expected to facilitate the long-awaited inventory of the temple's treasures housed in the 'Ratna Bhandar' or treasury.

During a press briefing after raising the national flag in Puri, Harichandan stated, "The reconstitution of the managing committee will occur in the next three to five days, or at most, within a week. Following this, we will proceed with the inventory of the Ratna Bhandar's valuables after receiving the committee's approval."

He also mentioned that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed two specialists to assist with the inventory process, which has been pending for decades.

The last comprehensive inventory of the Ratna Bhandar took place 46 years ago, in 1978.

The SJTMC consists of 18 members, with 10 appointed by the government and the rest being ex officio members. The chairperson is 'Gajapati Maharaja' Dibyasingha Deb, the ceremonial king of Puri.

However, the state government has yet to appoint new members since the previous term ended on September 2, 2024.