The ‘Surya Tilak’ ceremony at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple is a remarkable fusion of spirituality and science. On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, the temple witnesses a celestial event where a ray of sunlight, known as ‘Surya Tilak’, anoints the forehead of the Ram Lalla idol. This event is not only significant for its religious connotations but also for the scientific precision with which it is carried out. A specialized instrument, designed by a team of ten esteemed Indian scientists, ensures that a 5.8 centimetre beam of light illuminates the deity’s forehead for about three to three-and-a-half minutes, starting at 12 noon.
The ‘Surya Tilak’ mechanism is a testament to the ingenuity of Indian scientific expertise. To achieve this phenomenon, the apparatus consists of mirrors and lenses strategically placed to direct sunlight onto the statue’s forehead. The meticulous planning and execution involve solar tracking principles to adjust the mirrors and lenses, ensuring the sun’s rays are precisely aligned with the idol’s forehead. This opto mechanical system, commissioned by the temple trust, represents a significant achievement in combining traditional religious practices with modern engineering.
