Ayodhya
In the city of Ram—Ayodhya—a magnificent ‘Surya Tilak’ (Sun Mark) ceremony was performed upon Lord Ramlala on Friday afternoon at exactly 12:00 PM, during the auspicious *Abhijit Muhurat*. Following the consecration ceremony (*Pran-Pratishtha*), this marks the second ‘Surya Tilak’ for the child-deity Ram, during which the golden rays of the sun rested upon his forehead for approximately four minutes. To bring this ethereal spectacle to life, scientists from Bengaluru developed specialized instruments, the testing of which had been successfully completed on March 24 itself. On this special occasion of Ram Navami, the Lord was adorned in yellow garments, and 14 special priests were present within the *Garbhagriha* (sanctum sanctorum) during the birth celebration rituals. The rays of the Sun God (*Surya Dev*) were channeled directly onto Ramlala’s forehead by reflecting them through an intricate system of mirrors and lenses.
**PM Modi Witnesses the Ceremony Live**
It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Modi also witnessed the *Darshan* (sacred viewing) of Ramlala. On the occasion of Ram Navami, he offered prayers to Lord Ram and watched the ‘Surya Tilak’ ritual taking place at the Ram Temple. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) released a photograph showing the Prime Minister watching the rituals unfolding at the Ram Temple live on television.
**CM Yogi: A Tilak That Awakens the Eternal Consciousness of Sanatan Culture**
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that this golden ‘Surya Tilak’—gracing the divine forehead of Lord Shri Ramlala, the jewel of the Solar Dynasty (*Suryavansh*)—serves as a beacon of faith, self-esteem, and spirituality.
According to CM Yogi: “This Tilak, by awakening the eternal consciousness of Sanatan culture, is igniting a ‘Sun of Resolve’—comprising faith, strength, and self-respect—within the hearts of every single Indian. It is reconnecting India with its very soul.”
He further added that the radiance of Lord Shri Ram’s divine ‘Surya Tilak’ is providing direction to the national pledges of a ‘Developed India’ (*Viksit Bharat*) and a ‘Self-Reliant India’ (*Atmanirbhar Bharat*). For, where Ram resides, there lies the path; and there, India shines forth as a beacon of light.
**A Confluence of Scientific Endeavor and the Essence of Ram**
Scientists from Bengaluru meticulously crafted these specialized instruments after conducting an in-depth study of the Sun’s trajectory and movements. According to the Trust, these devices are designed in such a way that, for the next 19 years, no manual adjustment will be required, notwithstanding any changes in the sun’s trajectory. Precisely at 12:00 PM, as the sun’s rays struck the upper section of the temple, they were reflected to form a *tilak* (sacred mark) directly upon the forehead of Ram Lalla. To capture this entire spectacle, six special cameras were installed within the temple premises, and the event was broadcast live across social media platforms as well as on Doordarshan.
**Changes in Darshan Timings and Security Arrangements**
In anticipation of the massive crowds expected on Ram Navami, the timings for *darshan* (viewing) have been extended. Devotees will be able to have *darshan* of Ram Lalla from 5:00 AM until 11:00 PM.
However, to ensure security and maintain decorum during the special *Surya Tilak* ritual, entry via VIP passes was suspended for a period spanning half an hour before and half an hour after the *tilak* ceremony. The Trust has arranged a separate queue specifically for holders of *Aarti* passes. While the standard *darshan* timings on regular days are from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM, today—given the festivities—the viewing hours will continue late into the night.
