In a heartwarming tradition, the idol of Ram Lalla is set to receive a special ‘surya tilak’ every Ram Navami, courtesy of a unique mechanism crafted by Indian scientists.
The Surya Tilak Marvel
Enter the ‘Surya Tilak mechanism,’ a brilliant creation by scientists from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee. This apparatus, involving mirrors and lenses, ensures that precisely at noon on Ram Navami, a beam of sunlight delicately graces the forehead of the revered idol.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Ramancharla, Director of CBRI, shares insights into the ongoing progress. The mechanism is set to be fully operational upon the completion of the entire temple. Currently, the structure up to the first floor stands, with equipment installations on the ground floor and garba griha in place.
How it will work?
The ingenious Surya Tilak mechanism relies on a combination of a gearbox, reflective mirrors, and lenses. Sunrays, strategically directed from the third floor near the shikara, follow the principles of tracking the Sun’s path to reach the Garbha Griha and illuminate the idol’s forehead.
The collaborative effort involves the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru, providing technical support on the Sun’s path. Optica, a Bengaluru-based company, contributes by manufacturing the lenses and brass tubes. Rajendra Kotaria, MD of Optica, leads the fabrication and installation of the device.
The fixed Ram Navami date on the lunar calendar posed a challenge, met with the installation of 19 gears to ensure timely anointment. Notably, the mechanism maintains a traditional touch by avoiding the use of electricity, batteries, or iron, relying solely on the gear-based system.
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) plays a pivotal role in this scientific marvel. Combining expertise in positional astronomy and optics, the IIA ensures that the Sun’s rays, in the form of a surya tilak, grace the idol of Ram Lalla every Ram Navami.
Green Initiatives
Amidst these scientific achievements, an ambitious project to make the Ram temple complex environmentally friendly faced challenges.
The plan to use solar energy panels for electricity generation had to be abandoned due to the presence of numerous revered monkey troops. Nripendra Misra, chairperson of the temple construction committee, notes the potential damage to exposed solar panels by these revered monkeys.
Positive takeaway
In the heart of this fascinating narrative lies the Surya Tilak mechanism, a beautiful synergy of scientific innovation and religious traditions. This mechanism promises to bring not just sunlight but also a celestial touch to the annual celebrations of Ram Navami, honoring the beloved idol of Ram Lalla in a unique and enchanting way
