The government of Odisha has commenced the second phase of the inventory and documentation of the Ratna Bhandar (treasury) at the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri. This phase utilizes modern technology, including 3D mapping and high-resolution photography, to create a scientific record of the temple's centuries-old gold ornaments and ritual artifacts. The exercise aims to ensure transparency and accountability while preparing for the structural repair of the treasury's inner chambers.
Simultaneously, a ₹18 crore high-tech illumination project has been approved to highlight the temple's architectural grandeur. The lighting will use advanced, non-invasive systems to showcase the intricate carvings of the Shree Mandir during the night without affecting the stone's preservation. These combined efforts represent a significant modernization of the management of one of India's most important spiritual landmarks, balancing tradition with contemporary heritage conservation standards.