Trust: Trials successful, ‘surya abhishek’ of Ram idol on Ram Navami

‘SURYA ABHISHEK’ of the idol of Ram Lalla at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be held on Ram Navami (April 17) as trials of the optomechanical system installed for the purpose were successful, functionaries of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said.

Daily trials will still be conducted to ensure that sunrays fall at the centre of the idol's forehead at 12 noon on April 17, it is learnt. “Sunrays will illuminate the face of Ram Lalla for straight four minutes. Teams of scientists from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, and another institute are engaged in this work,” a trust official said.

“Two mirrors and a lens have been installed on the ground floor of the temple. Sunlight will fall on them from a mirror placed on the third floor. The rays reflected by these will form tilak on the forehead.”

Since there is no way for direct sunlight to enter the temple’s “garbha griha” or sanctum sanctorum where the idol is placed, the optomechanical equipment was installed to throw sunrays on the idol’s forehead through mirrors and lenses. With this optomechanical system, ‘surya tilak’ of the idol will be done every year on the day of Ram Navami with minor alterations in the mirrors and lenses keeping in mind the changes in direction. While scientists are busy making preparations for the ‘surya tilak’ to last about 4 minutes, trust officials said there will be bright light on the forehead for about 2-2.5 minutes and a faded light for the remaining time. Also, arrangements are being made to telecast the event live on Doordarshan while large LED screens will be placed at nearly 100 places across Ayodhya, they added.