RAM LALLA’S ‘SURYA TILAK’ AFTER 500 YEARS IN AYODHYA

Ayodhya: ‘Surya Tilak’ (Sun’s rays) illuminated Lord Ram Lalla idol’s forehead at Ayodhya Temple on the occasion of Ram Navami on Wednesday, April 17. The ‘Surya Tilak’ of the deity was made possible by an elaborate mechanism involving mirrors and lenses. The system was tested by the scientists on Tuesday. This was the first Ram Navami since the consecration of Ram idol at the Ayodhya temple, inaugurated by PM Modi on January 22. According to a senior scientist of CSIR-CBRI, Roorkee, the planned tilak size was 58 mm. The exact period of tilak on the forehead centre was about three to three-anda-half minutes, with two minutes of full illumination, he said. The atmosphere was filled with devotion as devotees joyfully chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and celebrated outside Ram Janambhoomi Mandir. The festivities included offerings of 56 bhog and lots more.