Ayodhya: On the occasion of Ram Navami, a unique event was witnessed at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya today (April 17). A ray of sunlight emitted from the Tilak adorned by Ramlalla on his forehead. Termed as Surya Tilak mechanism this unique phenomenon was done with cutting-edge scientific expertise.
For approximately 3 to 3.5 minutes starting at 12 noon, sunlight was precisely directed onto the idol’s forehead using a combination of mirrors and lenses and a special gearbox. Using the principles of solar tracking, the precise alignment of sunrays was orchestrated from the temple’s third floor to the inner sanctum (Garbha Griha).
(Image Courtesy: Doordarshan)
The development of the ‘Surya Tilak’ mechanism involved collaboration between scientists from CBRI, Roorkee, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAP), Bengaluru and the manufacturing experts of a Bengaluru-based company called Optica.
Given the fixed date of Ram Navami based on the lunar calendar, intricate arrangements involving 19 gears were implemented to ensure the timely occurrence of this auspicious ritual, all without relying on electricity, batteries, or iron-based components.
Surya Tilak Mechanism in Ayodhya Ram Temple works on optomechanical system:
It is reported that the Surya Tilak Mechanism in Ayodhya Ram Temple works on optomechanical system. The opto-mechanical system used here consists of four mirrors and four lenses fitted inside the tilt mechanism and piping systems. The complete cover with an aperture for the tilt mechanism is placed at the top floor of the temple to divert the sun rays through mirrors and lenses to the Garbha Girha. The final lens and mirror focus the sun rays on the forehead of Shree Ramlalla facing east. The tilt mechanism is used to adjust the first mirror’s tilt, sending the sun rays towards the north direction to the 2nd mirror to make the Surya Tilak appear on every Shree Ram Navami day.
It is further reported that the mirrors and lenses used are of very high quality and durable to sustain a long period. The inner surfaces of pipes, elbows, and enclosures are black powder-coated to avoid scattering of sunlight. Also, at the top aperture, an infrared filter glass is used to restrict the Sun’s heat waves from falling on the idol’s forehead.
This was explained by Dr Pradeep Kumar Ramacharla, Scientist and Director at the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee.
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