Puri: The process for opening of Ratna Bhandar of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha's Puri will start today.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved the opening of Ratna Bhandar for an inventory preparation and valuation of assets, said Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.

Accordingly, a representative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will assist the empowered Committee in carrying out the task. SJTA Chief Administrator has been entrusted with the task of smoothly conducting the inventory preparation and asset evaluation.

A representative of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will also assist the Committee.

The number of valuables of the deities, their quality and weight etc. will be digitally recorded and photographed. A digital document will also be prepared for future reference.

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has been given the standard operating procedure (SOP) on the opening of Ratna Bhandar of the shrine.

Former judge of Orissa High Court Justice Biswanath Rath said, "Keys of the Ratna Bhandar have not been used for the last many years. If required, the treasury locks will be broken. A lock-breaking group has been requisitioned. Snake catchers and a medical team will also be kept on standby."

"Most likely, Ratna Bhandar will be opened after 1.00 PM, keeping in mind the auspicious timing," Justice Rath added.