Ayodhya: Surya Tilak Shines Bright on Ram Lalla’s Forehead
To mark the first Ram Navami of Shri Ram Lalla in the Ayodhya’s new Ram Mandir, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust conducted a very unique the Surya Tilak ceremony.
Ram Navami, the auspicious celebration of Lord Ram's birth, took on special significance this year at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, marking the first such occasion since its grand inauguration on January 22, 2024. The temple, adorned with flowers and lights, witnessed a momentous Surya Tilak ceremony, symbolizing divine blessings on the deity, Ram Lalla.
On April 17, 2024, more than 25 lakh devotees thronged to the temple, while millions worldwide watched the live puja, commemorating Lord Ram's birth on the ninth day of the Hindu month of Chaitra. Devotees were enthralled by the celestial spectacle as the sun's rays illuminated Ram Lalla's forehead in a precise ceremony that lasted for four minutes.
The Surya Tilak ceremony, a rare celestial phenomenon, was made possible by the meticulous efforts of Indian scientists, who designed a specialized instrument called the "Surya Tilak mechanism." This mechanism, crafted by a team of esteemed researchers from institutions like the Central Building Research Institute and the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, employs mirrors and lenses to focus sunlight onto the deity's forehead at a designated time.
The mechanism, also known as the 'Surya Tilak mechanism,' is a sophisticated combination of brass and bronze pipes, housing mirrors and lenses set at specific angles. The inner surfaces of the pipes are coated with black powder to prevent scattering of sunlight, ensuring precise reflection onto the idol's forehead. An Infra Red (IR) filter further regulates the sun's rays, safeguarding the idol from heat waves.
Prior to Ram Navami, the team conducted trials to ensure the mechanism's accuracy, culminating in the flawless execution of the Surya Tilak ceremony. Prime Minister Modi, who witnessed the event live aboard a flight, shared his emotional experience, underscoring the historic significance of the occasion and invoking blessings for the nation's prosperity and glory.
The Surya Tilak ceremony, a harmonious blend of spirituality and scientific innovation, epitomizes the rich cultural heritage of India and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Lord Ram. As devotees continue to flock to the Ram Mandir to seek solace and divine blessings, the Surya Tilak mechanism stands as a shining symbol of India's ingenuity and reverence for tradition.
