What is Surya Tilak? Understand the science behind the ceremony

On the occasion of Ram Navami, ‘Surya Abhishek’ of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya temple was held precisely at noon for about three minutes on April 17.

1. The ‘Surya Tilak’ or ‘Surya Abhishek’ refers to a ray of sunlight made to fall on the idol’s forehead on a designated day, in this case, Ram Navami, believed to be the birthday of Lord Ram that usually falls during March or April.
2. This is the first Ram Navami since the consecration of the Ram idol at the new temple on January 22. The system was tested by the scientists on Tuesday.

58 cm tilak, lasting a little over 3 minutes:

• The planned tilak size is 58 mm. The exact period of tilak on the forehead centre is about three to three-and-a-half minutes, with two minutes of full illumination.

What if it is a cloudy day:

1. "That's the limitation. scientists don't wish to do with artificial light because of the faith and belief of our people."

Developed by CBRI:

The detailed complete design in consultation with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore, the CSIR-CBRI, Roorkee team has developed a mechanism for a period of 19 years for sunlight to reach from the third floor of the temple to the 'Garbha Griha'.

1. The fabrication of optical elements, pipes, tilt mechanism and other related components are carried out by Optics and Allied Engg Pvt Ltd (Optica), a Bangalore-based company.
   Pilot done
2. The CSIR-CBRI, Roorkee team along with IIA Bangalore and Optica Bangalore completed the installation in the first week of April, and repeated trials have been done.

What is an opto-mechanical system?

1. The opto-mechanical system consists of 4 mirrors and 4 lenses fitted inside the tilt mechanism and piping systems.
2. The complete cover with aperture for the tilt mechanism is placed at the top floor to divert the Sun rays through mirrors and lenses to the garbhagriha.
3. The final lens and mirror focus the Sun rays to the forehead of Shri Ram facing towards the east.
4. The tilt mechanism is used to adjust the first mirror tilting for sending the Sun rays towards the north direction to the second mirror for making the Surya tilak every year on Shri Ram Navami day.
5. All the piping and other parts are manufactured using the brass material.
6. The mirrors and lenses which are used are of very high quality and durable to sustain for a long period.
7. The inner surface of pipes, elbows and enclosures are black powder coated to avoid scattering of sunlight.
8. Also at the top aperture, IR (infra-red) filter glass is used to restrict the Sun heat wave to fall on the forehead of the idol.

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