Ayodhya, 6 April 2025: On the ninth day of Navratri, the festival of Ram Navami is being celebrated with great pomp across the country. On this special occasion, a unique sight was seen in the Ram temple of Ayodhya, when at exactly 12 noon, the rays of the sun applied a tilak on the forehead of Ramlala. It has been named ‘Surya Tilak’, which is a wonderful confluence of devotion and science. Devotees from all over the country reached Ayodhya to see this historic moment, while millions of people witnessed it through TV and social media. But the question is, what is this Surya Tilak, and how was it possible? Let us understand its story closely.

Surya Tilak: A touch of science in devotion

This scene of Surya Tilak on Ramlala’s forehead on Ram Navami may seem like a miracle, but behind it is the hard work of scientists and the wonder of technology. Researchers from Roorkee’s Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) have designed this unique system. It uses lenses, reflectors and gearboxes, which accurately transmit the sun’s rays to the idol of Ramlala in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
CBRI scientist Dr. Pradeep Chauhan explains, “This technology has been designed in such a way that every year on Ramnavami, the sun’s rays fall on Ramlala’s forehead at exactly 12 o’clock. For this, an in-depth study of the position of the sun and the structure of the temple was done.” This Surya Tilak remained for about 4 minutes, which created a wave of happiness among the devotees.

How does this technology work?

A special optical system has been created to control the sun’s rays in the Surya Tilak system. The lenses on the roof of the temple focus the sunlight, which is transmitted down to the sanctum sanctorum through a reflector. The gearbox adjusts this system according to the changing position of the sun, so that this Tilak can be made at the same time every year. Anil Mishra, a member of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, said, “This Tilak, which started at 12 noon, lasted for 4 minutes. It is a wonderful combination of science and faith.” The trust shared pictures and videos of this moment on social media, which went viral in no time. Ramesh Tiwari, a devotee present in Ayodhya, became emotional and said, “When the rays of the sun fell on Ramlala’s forehead, it seemed as if the Sun God himself was blessing him.” Enthusiasm across the country Not only did the crowd gather at the temple to see this special ceremony, but large LED screens were installed in many areas of Ayodhya so that people from far-flung areas could also witness this moment. It was also telecast live on television, which connected devotees from all over the country. Govind Shastri, a priest present in the temple, said, “This is not the first time that Surya Tilak happened, but this time the new technology and the grand temple made it more special.” However, this technology is not limited to Ayodhya only. There has been a tradition of lighting the idols with the rays of the sun in many ancient temples of the country like Konark Sun Temple and Modhera Sun Temple of Gujarat. But in Ram Mandir, it is a unique example of modern science.

Balance of science and faith

This technique of Surya Tilak is not only a marvel of engineering, but it also strengthens faith. While designing it, scientists kept in mind the movement of the sun, the height of the temple and the position of the idol. Expert Dr. Anita Mehta says, “This project shows that science and tradition can go together. It is a miracle for the devotees, and an accurate calculation for the scientists.”

The specialty of this technique is that it works without electricity or manual intervention. It is powered by the natural light of the sun, which also makes it environmentally friendly.

What in the future?

Surya Tilak on Ram Navami has now become a part of every year. The trust says that work will continue with scientists to make it even better. Ramprasad, a local resident of Ayodhya, said, “It is a matter of pride for us. Every year this moment will deepen our devotion towards Ram Lalla.”
The Surya Tilak not only added to the religious fervour but also showed how modern technology can take traditions to new heights. Will such a blend of science and faith be seen in more temples in the future? This question is on everyone’s mind, but for now, Ram Lalla’s Tilak has captured every heart.