Lalla Set To Get A Surya Tilak On Ram Navami
By A Draft Correspondent
The upcoming Ram Navami at the Ayodhya temple marks a significant occasion: Ram Lalla's first celebration at his newly-built home, the Ram Mandir. To commemorate this event, a unique ritual known as Surya Tilak, where the Sun will symbolically kiss the deity's forehead, will take place on 17 April 2024.
This ritual, blending tradition with modern science, is made possible through the ingenuity of IIT engineers who have designed a specialised apparatus comprising mirrors and lenses. While the concept of Surya Abhishek isn't new, its implementation using optical and mechanical techniques showcases the fusion of ancient practices with contemporary innovation.
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| Ram Lalla is all set to get Surya Tilak on birth anniversary |
Preparations for the Surya Tilak began early, with meticulous planning and two trial runs to ensure its success. The apparatus, meticulously crafted with durable materials like brass and bronze, incorporates high-quality mirrors and lenses arranged in a gearbox to precisely focus the Sun's rays onto Ram Lalla's forehead at the appointed time.
While modern engineering facilitates the Surya Tilak at the Ram Mandir, it echoes the ancient practices seen in various temples across India. These temples, from Tamil Nadu to Gujarat, have long incorporated astronomically calculated features to allow sunlight to illuminate the deity on specific days. The Surya Abhishek isn't just a ceremony; it's a harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and modern technology, exemplifying the timeless connection between tradition and innovation.
As millions witnessed the pran pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol earlier, the upcoming Surya Abhishek on 17 April will be another momentous occasion, drawing global attention as the Sun's rays lovingly embrace tradition and science in a symbolic gesture of reverence.
The ancient science of Suryabhishek transcends geographical boundaries, with temples across India showcasing this unique phenomenon. From the intricately-designed Suriyanar Kovil temple in Tamil Nadu to the majestic Konark Sun Temple in Odisha, each site reflects the deep-rooted connection between architecture, astronomy, and spirituality.
In the serene environs of the Narayanaswamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh, devotees witness the Sun's rays journeying through the temple, symbolising the divine presence. Similarly, at the Mahalakshmi Temple in Maharashtra, the Kiranotsav festival bathes the deity in sunlight, invoking a sense of celestial blessing.
The annual spectacle at the Koba Jain Temple in Gujarat, where the Sun's rays delicately touch the deity's forehead, serves as a poignant reminder of the reverence accorded to the Sun God. Meanwhile, at the Unav Balaji Surya Temple in Madhya Pradesh, devotees gather to witness the first rays of dawn illuminate the sanctum sanctorum, heralding the start of a new day filled with divine grace.
The architectural marvel of the Modhera Sun Temple in Gujarat and the timeless allure of the Ranakpur Jain Temples in Rajasthan further exemplify the timeless tradition of Suryabhishek, where sunlight breathes life into sacred spaces, illuminating the path of devotion.
Even in the bustling city of Bengaluru, the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple stands as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between nature and spirituality. As sunlight filters through the temple's intricate architecture, devotees are reminded of the eternal cycle of life and the divine presence that permeates all existence.
As the world eagerly anticipates the Surya Abhishek at the Ram Mandir on 17 April, it serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of ancient wisdom and the timeless quest for spiritual enlightenment. In the warm embrace of sunlight, tradition and science converge, transcending boundaries and uniting humanity in reverence for the divine.
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