In an unprecedented event, at precisely 11:58 am on Wednesday, the divine sunlight delicately graced the forehead of Ram Lalla, marking the commencement of the revered Surya Abhishek ritual. Lasting for four celestial minutes, this enchanting spectacle unfolded amidst joyous celebrations in the sacred city of Ayodhya.
“This is an extraordinary moment for all devotees of Lord Ram,” exclaimed Pandit Satyendra Das, a prominent priest at the temple. “The Surya abhishek symbolises the divine blessings showered upon the birthplace of Lord Ram after centuries of longing,” he added.
The Surya Tilak, an effulgent mark adorning Ram Lalla’s forehead, serves as a poignant emblem of Lord Ram’s birth and the realisation of a profound spiritual aspiration.
According to a senior scientist from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, the planned size of the tilak is 58 mm. The precise duration of the tilak on the forehead centre was approximately three to three-and-a-half minutes, with two minutes of full illumination, he noted.
Utilising cutting-edge scientific expertise, a 5.8 centimetre beam of light was directed onto the deity’s forehead. To achieve this remarkable phenomenon, a specialised instrument was meticulously crafted. A team of 10 esteemed Indian scientists stationed at the Ram Mandir meticulously ensured the success of this auspicious event on Ram Navami. For approximately 3 to 3.5 minutes, starting just before 12 noon, sunlight was precisely focused onto the statue’s forehead using a combination of mirrors and lenses.
"This tradition of adorning the Ram Lalla idol’s forehead with the ‘surya tilak’ in Ayodhya on Ram Navami will now become an annual ritual,” said Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology. “However, due to the ongoing construction in the temple, adjustments will be required in the design of the optical mechanism responsible for creating the ‘surya tilak’,” he added.
The event elicited jubilation across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared in a social media post: “After my Nalbari rally, I witnessed the Surya Tilak on Ram Lalla. Like millions of Indians, this is a deeply emotional moment for me. The grand Ram Navami celebration in Ayodhya is historic. May this Surya Tilak infuse our lives with energy and inspire our nation to scale new heights of glory.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked, “Today, Ayodhya shines with divine grace. May this historic moment herald an era of peace, unity and prosperity for all.”
As Vedic chants echoed through the air and the city basked in the golden glow of this celestial occurrence, devotees from far and wide revelled in the fulfillment of a cherished dream – a temple dedicated to the revered Lord Ram, standing tall at his divine birthplace.
The significance of this event resonated deeply with the residents of Ayodhya, who have awaited the construction of the temple at Lord Ram’s birthplace for over five centuries.
“To witness the sunlight adorning Ram Lalla’s forehead is nothing short of a miracle,” remarked Anjali Verma, a resident of Ayodhya, and added, “It reaffirms our faith and strengthens our connection to Lord Ram.”
In nearby Kanak Bhawan, women of Ayodhya sang the auspicious Sohar, celebrating the divine moment of birth of Lord Ram.
The festivities commenced with Mangala aarti at 3:30 am on Wednesday, coinciding with the Brahma Muhurta. Following this, rituals such as Abhishek, Shringar and Darshan were seamlessly conducted. Shringar aarti was held at 5 am, followed by darshan and worship rituals.
In preparation for the large gathering, arrangements were made for prasad distribution post the Shayan aarti, conveniently located at the temple exit. Pilgrims were advised to securely deposit mobile phones, footwear, and other prohibited items before entering the temple premises.
Champat Rai, general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust, stated that passes for various services, including Sugam Darshan, VIP Darshan, Mangala Aarti, Shringar Aarti, and Shayan Aarti, will not be issued until April 19 due to the expected crowd.
