In a momentous event at noon today, the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya experienced a celestial occurrence as a beam of sunlight, famously known as ‘Surya Tilak’, graced the forehead of the Ram Lalla idol. This remarkable phenomenon unfolded on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, captivating devotees and scientists alike.
Employing cutting-edge scientific expertise, a specialized apparatus meticulously directed a 5.8-centimeter beam of sunlight onto the deity’s forehead. A team of ten esteemed Indian scientists, stationed at the Ram Mandir, orchestrated the success of this auspicious event, which lasted approximately 3 to 3.5 minutes starting precisely at 12 noon.
Commissioned by the temple trust, scientists from a leading government institution devised a sophisticated mechanism, officially named the ‘Surya Tilak mechanism’. This marvel of scientific and engineering ingenuity involved the collaboration of experts from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAP), Bengaluru.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Ramacharla, Scientist and Director at CBRI, explained the intricate workings of the opto-mechanical system to NDTV. “The mechanism comprises four mirrors and four lenses fitted inside the tilt mechanism and piping systems,” Dr. Ramacharla detailed. “Utilizing a special gearbox and employing reflective mirrors and lenses, the team ensured the precise alignment of sunlight rays from the temple’s third floor to the inner sanctum (Garbha Griha) using established principles of solar tracking.”
The ‘Surya Tilak’ mechanism involved 19 gears to ensure the timely occurrence of the ritual, meticulously arranged to align with the fixed date of Ram Navami based on the lunar calendar. Dr. Pradeep Chauhan, Scientist at CBRI, expressed confidence in the flawless anointing of the Ram Lalla statue.
Furthermore, technical support from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and manufacturing expertise from Optica, a Bengaluru-based company, facilitated the project’s execution. Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of IIA, emphasized the institution’s expertise in positional astronomy, which was crucial in reconciling the disparity between lunar and solar calendars to ensure the ceremonious anointing of the idol on Ram Navami.
The collaborative effort of scientists and engineers from CBRI, IIAP, and Optica culminated in a groundbreaking achievement, enhancing the spiritual significance of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. While similar mechanisms exist in some Jain temples and the Sun Temple at Konark, the Ayodhya ‘Surya Tilak’ mechanism stands as a unique marvel of modern engineering and traditional reverence.
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