The Jagannath Temple in Puri boasts significant financial resources, with bank deposits totaling approximately ₹1,912 crore and ownership of 60,821 acres of land nationwide, as well as valuable gold and diamond ornaments stored in its Ratna Bhandar, according to a recent statement.
As of August 31, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) reported that ₹1,811.10 crore was held in fixed deposits across three different schemes. Of this amount, ₹1,311.10 crore is deposited in various public sector banks, while ₹500 crore constitutes a corpus fund provided by the Odisha government, allocated in the temple’s profit and loss account. Additionally, the temple had ₹100.71 crore across various savings, current, and flexi accounts, bringing the total bank deposits to nearly ₹1,911.80 crore.
The SJTA indicated that its income primarily comes from donations by devotees, revenue generated from temple-owned quarries and mines, interest accrued on fixed deposits, land transactions, and government grants. SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee explained, “Certain portions of the income are allocated to fixed deposits as a Corpus Fund, while another segment is directed to a Foundation Fund. The remaining income is retained in the temple fund.”
Daily expenses for the temple are covered by the temple fund, with surplus amounts placed in fixed deposits. Padhee emphasized the administration’s commitment to maintaining the temple’s assets effectively. Donations made to the temple are counted each day, with results shared via information boards and social media to keep the public updated.
In an effort to enhance donation processes, the temple launched a digital donation platform named “Samarpan” prior to the Rath Yatra on July 15 this year, enabling devotees worldwide to contribute and receive receipts. By August 31, the digital platform had facilitated donations totaling ₹56.71 lakh.
Within its land holdings, 60,426 acres are located across 24 districts in Odisha, while the remaining 395 acres are distributed among six other states, including West Bengal. The temple’s gold, diamonds, and other valuables are securely stored in the Ratna Bhandar, with an inventory currently being conducted for the first time in 48 years, according to officials. Over the past 25 years, at least seven theft incidents involving cash, ornaments, and idols have been reported at the temple.
In a notable case, a temple clerk was captured on CCTV in February 2024 allegedly stealing ₹31,940 during the counting of donation money. Previously, a temple peon was apprehended for allegedly stealing ₹800 during a similar process a year earlier. Governed by the Odisha government’s Law department under the Shri Jagannath Temple Act of 1955, the 12th-century temple remains a significant cultural and religious site.
