Ram Navami 2024: Who Designed 'Surya Tilak' That'll Light Up Ram Lalla's Forehead On April 17 In Ayodhya
Ram Navami 2024: Ram Navami is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Ram. It falls on the ninth day of the Chaitra month during the Shukla Paksha, marking the conclusion of Chaitra Navratri. Lord Ram was born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya. The festival also signifies the descent of Vishnu as the Rama avatar.
Inaugurating the Ram Temple in Ayodhya earlier this year introduced a remarkable addition: a unique scientific system designed to adorn the idol of Ram Lalla with a 'Surya Tilak' on every Ram Navami, beginning this year.
The high-intensity 'Suryatilak' planned for Ayodhya's Ram Temple is designed to last 3.5 minutes without causing any extra heat to warm up the Ram Lalla idol. Experts have ensured this by installing an optomechanical system consisting of an infrared filter, which is known for its ability to absorb or reflect high-energy photons without transferring heat onto a surface.
The team of scientists from the Central Building Research Institute in Roorkee took precautions to prevent the deity from being exposed to excessive heat and irritation. They placed the infrared filter at the aperture on the first floor, where sunlight enters the 'Garbhagriha' (sanctum sanctorum), thus safeguarding the idol.
- The auspicious timing for the birth celebration of Ram Lalla: 12:40 PM on April 17
- 'Suryatilak' beginning time: 11:58 AM
- Expected duration of 'Suryatilak': Until 12:03 PM
- Trials conducted on Monday at the Ram Temple
- Size of the tilak on the idol's forehead: 58mm
No electronic device or battery used?
Collaborating on the project are the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bengaluru and the private firm Optics and Allied Engineering (Optica), along with the scientists from CBRI. During the 3.5-minute duration of the 'Suryatilak', the optomechanical system will concentrate light at the center of the lord's forehead, gradually fading afterward.
The 'Surya Tilak' project aims to illuminate Lord Ram Lalla's forehead with natural sunlight precisely at 12 pm on every Ram Navami. Crafted by Optica in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics Bangalore, the project employs precision lenses and mirrors to harness sunlight and create a divine symbol.
At the core of the project is a sophisticated lunar calendar gear mechanism, seamlessly integrating traditional beliefs with advanced technology. Ingeniously engineered optical components ensure longevity and hassle-free maintenance, promising uninterrupted divine radiance for future generations.
The project's sustainable design allows for easy optic replacements, ensuring continuous operation and reverence for 100 years using only "Pancha Dathu" materials. The Indian Institute of Astrophysics provided technical assistance regarding the Sun's path, while Optica collaborated on the project.
Who Designed Ram Mandir Devine 'Surya Tilak'
Pradeep Kumar Ramancharla and Devdutt Ghosh, Directors of the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee, oversaw the project. CBRI's expertise ensured the temple's foundation was laid to withstand structural challenges.
During the Deepotsav celebration in Ayodhya on October 23, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested incorporating direct sunlight onto the idol on Ram Navami, akin to the Konark temple in Odisha, inspiring the 'Surya Tilak' project.
Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.
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