Engineering Marvel
In a historic and awe-inspiring event at the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the forehead of the revered Ram Lalla idol was adorned with a ray of sunlight, known as ‘Surya Tilak’, on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. This remarkable phenomenon, achieved with cutting-edge scientific expertise, marked a significant fusion of tradition and modern innovation.
A team of ten esteemed Indian scientists, stationed at the Ram Mandir, meticulously orchestrated this event using a specialized instrument designed to precisely direct sunlight onto the statue’s forehead. Lasting approximately 3 to 3.5 minutes, starting precisely at 12 noon, this ceremony showcased the harmonious blend of ancient rituals with contemporary scientific advancements.
Commissioned by the temple trust, scientists from a leading government institution devised a sophisticated apparatus termed the ‘Surya Tilak mechanism’, showcasing a remarkable feat of scientific and engineering prowess. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Ramacharla, Scientist and Director at the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, elucidated the intricate workings of this optomechanical system.
The mechanism comprises four mirrors and four lenses integrated into a tilt mechanism and piping systems. Positioned strategically on the top floor of the temple, the mechanism diverts sunlight through mirrors and lenses to the inner sanctum, or Garbha Griha. The final lens and mirror precisely focus the sun’s rays onto the forehead of the idol, facing east.
Dr. Ramacharla further detailed the precision involved in adjusting the tilt of the mirrors to direct sunlight towards the desired direction, ensuring the ‘Surya Tilak’ occurs annually on Ram Navami. The materials used, including brass for piping and high-quality, durable mirrors and lenses, underscore the meticulous planning and execution of this project.
Collaboration between scientists from CBRI, Roorkee, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAP), Bengaluru, played a pivotal role in the development of the ‘Surya Tilak’ mechanism. Employing special gearboxes, reflective mirrors, and lenses, the team achieved the precise alignment of sunlight rays using established principles of solar tracking.
Technical support from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and the manufacturing expertise of Optica, a Bengaluru-based company, further facilitated the project’s execution. Dr. Pradeep Chauhan, another scientist from CBRI, expressed confidence in flawlessly anointing the statue of Ram Lalla, thanks to the intricate arrangements involving 19 gears to ensure the timely occurrence of this ritual.
Addressing the challenge posed by the lunar calendar, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics devised a solution to synchronize the occurrence of Ram Navami with the solar calendar. This expertise in positional astronomy ensured the ceremonious anointing of the idol of Ram Lalla with the symbolic ‘Surya Tilak’ on every Ram Navami.
‘Surya Tilak’ ceremony at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple exemplifies the harmonious convergence of tradition, innovation, and scientific expertise. This remarkable feat not only honors ancient rituals but also underscores India’s prowess in leveraging scientific advancements to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage.
JAI SHREE RAM