Ayodhya Ram Mandir: The Science Behind Ram Lalla Idol's Unique 'Sun Tilak'

Scientists at Roorkee's Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) have developed a one-of-a-kind mechanism for the newly completed Ram temple in Ayodhya. According to reports,?the method uses sunlight, mirrors, and lenses to create the appearance of a 'tilak' on the idol's forehead in the sanctum sanctorum.?

What does this method comprise?

The method uses sunlight, mirrors, and lenses to create the appearance of a 'tilak' on the idol's forehead | Image: X

The display is slated for Ram Navami on March 29, which marks Lord Ram's birth anniversary according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

The project, called 'Surya Rashmiyon Ka Tilak' (anointment by sun rays), is a mechanical system that uses brass instead of iron or steel and does not require energy or batteries.?

Who made this happen?

The project's lead scientist and principal investigator S K Panigrahi stated, "We used only brass in making our manually operated system."

The circular 'tilak', measuring 75 mm, will be applied on Lord Ram's forehead at noon for three to four minutes on Ram Navami in the Chaitra month, utilising sunlight redirected by technology.?

Karnataka Sculptor Arun Yogiraj's (in photo) Ram Lalla idol was selected for installation at Ayodhya Ram Temple | Image: X

Optics & Allied Engineering Pvt Ltd, situated in Bengaluru, provided the temple with mirrors, lenses, and a tilt mechanism for free. The Indian Institute of Astrophysics spoke with CBRI on optical design.? ?

This arrangement is only made on the occasion of Ram Navami each year.?

How does it work?

The optomechanical system, which is slated to be erected on Ram Temple's third level, will include high-quality mirrors (M1 and M2), a lens (L1), and vertical pipework with lenses (L2 and L3) fixed at appropriate angles.?

The method to adapt to the shifting position of the sun on Ram Navami was devised by the CBRI team | Image: TOI

Mirrors (M3 and M4) and a lens (L4) are among the ground-level components. Panigrahi described the procedure as follows: "Sunlight falls on M1, travels through L1, M2, L1, L2, M3 (installed outside the garbha-griha), and finally on M4, bringing a 'tilak' on the forehead of the idol."?

The method to adapt to the shifting position of the sun on Ram Navami was devised by the CBRI team, which included scientists R S Bisht, Devdutta Ghosh, V Chakradhar, and Kanti Lal Solanki, as well as technical workers Sameer and Dinesh. Bisht explained, "Detailed calculations demonstrate that the English calendar day of Ram Navami occurs every 19 years. We created a method that everyone can use."

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