All you need to know about Ram Lalla's Surya Tilak in Ayodhya today

PTC News Desk: Ram Navami in Ayodhya this year carries profound significance as it commemorates the first celebration of Lord Ram's birth at the newly inaugurated Ram Mandir. Amidst the auspicious festivities, devotees worldwide eagerly await the special ceremony of Surya Tilak, scheduled to take place at noon today.

The Surya Tilak ceremony holds a sacred ritual wherein sunlight is meticulously directed to fall directly on the forehead of Ram Lalla, symbolising divine blessings and auspiciousness. This ceremony, marking the birth of Lord Ram, serves as a poignant reminder of the spiritual and cultural heritage embedded within Ayodhya.

Humble Request on the occassion of Shri Ram Navami Mahotsav:

For the convenience of the devotees visiting during the tyohaar of Shri Ram Navami, special arrangements have been made by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

On the day of Shri Ram Navami, starting at… pic.twitter.com/2mWoICCyg1 — Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra (@ShriRamTeerth) April 15, 2024

Devotees from far and wide are expected to gather in Ayodhya to witness this auspicious occasion, seeking blessings and participating in the joyous festivities. As the sun's rays illuminate the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Mandir, hearts will be filled with reverence and devotion, marking a significant moment in the religious calendar and reaffirming the eternal bond between Lord Ram and his devotees.

Ram Lalla's Surya Tilak: Engineering marvel by Indian scientists

The innovative Surya Tilak, devised by Indian scientists, is a testament to technological prowess. Developed by researchers from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee, under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), this mechanism ensures that sunlight directly illuminates Ram Lalla's forehead precisely at noon on Ram Navami.

Crafted with meticulous precision, the Surya Tilak mechanism operates through a sophisticated mirror and lens apparatus. Measuring at 58 mm, the tilak is meticulously calibrated to adorn the deity's forehead for approximately three to three-and-a-half minutes, with two minutes dedicated to full illumination, as affirmed by the scientists.

Dr. D P Kanungo, chief scientist at CSIR-CBRI, Roorkee, lauded the meticulous planning and execution, ensuring utmost accuracy in the mechanism's operation. Echoing his sentiments, Dr. Pradeep Chauhan, a CBRI scientist involved in the design of the Ram temple, expressed confidence in the mechanism, affirming its flawless operation in anointing the idol of Ram Lalla.

The Surya Tilak mechanism, a marvel of engineering prowess, orchestrates the precise path of sunlight to grace Lord Ram's idol for approximately six minutes annually. This intricate system, comprising a gearbox, reflective mirrors, and lenses, is strategically positioned to trace the sun's trajectory from the temple's third floor near the shikara to the Garbha Griha, ensuring a divine illumination on Ram Navami.

Ram Navami trust issues guidelines

In preparation for Ram Navami, the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has issued comprehensive guidelines to manage the anticipated crowds. Notably, all VIP darshan passes have been revoked, and adjustments have been made to darshan timings to accommodate the influx of devotees.

In an announcement shared on X, the Trust stated, "The darshan duration has been extended to 19 hours, commencing from the Mangala Aarti and concluding at 11 PM. During the four Bhog offerings, the curtain will be closed for only five minutes. Distinguished guests are kindly urged to schedule their darshan visits after April 19."

Live Broadcast of Ram Navami Event

"The festivities of Shri Ram Janmotsav will be televised on approximately a hundred large LED screens across Ayodhya city. Additionally, live streams will be available on the Trust's social media platforms," the Trust announced on X.

Furthermore, devotees are advised "to refrain from carrying mobile phones and valuable belongings" to "prevent inconvenience and save time during Darshan."

- With inputs from agencies

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