On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, a divine moment unfolded at the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya as the Surya Tilak of Lord Ram was flawlessly performed at exactly 12 noon. A focused beam of sunlight, channelled through a sophisticated arrangement of mirrors and lenses, gently touched the forehead of Ram Lalla’s idol, creating a radiant tilak. This celestial occurrence lasted for about four minutes, with the most brilliant illumination seen between two to three minutes. The atmosphere was filled with spiritual energy as devotees, teary-eyed and deeply moved, witnessed what felt like a direct blessing from Surya Dev himself. Blending sacred tradition with scientific precision, the Surya Tilak symbolised Lord Ram's divine connection to the solar dynasty—Suryavansh—and reminded all present of his eternal legacy.
The much-anticipated Surya Tilak of Lord Ram took place at the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya on April 6, 2025, coinciding with the celebration of Ram Navami. Devotees from across the country and abroad gathered to witness this rare spiritual and scientific marvel, which lasted for about four minutes, with peak brilliance observed for nearly two to three minutes. The event beautifully combined spirituality and science, symbolizing the divine legacy of Lord Ram’s Suryavanshi lineage.
Prior to the Surya Tilak, a special bhog offering was made to Ram Lalla at 11:45 AM. This offering included a grand platter of traditional sweets and fruits, enhancing the sanctity of the moment. The atmosphere inside the Ayodhya temple was filled with devotion and anticipation as people stood in long queues, chanting “Jai Shri Ram” and singing bhajans. The Surya Tilak is not just a spiritual moment; it is a remarkable scientific achievement made possible through a carefully designed system of mirrors and lenses that aligns sunlight perfectly on this day.
Lord Ram receives the Surya Tilak as a symbol of his divine connection to the Sun God (Surya Dev). According to Hindu belief, Lord Ram was born in the Ikshvaku dynasty, also known as the Suryavansh (Solar lineage), tracing its origin to Surya Dev. The Surya Tilak performed when a ray of sunlight touches the deity's forehead on Ram Navami signifies this celestial lineage and divine blessing.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed 'Kanya pujan' at Gorakhnath temple on the same day, extending his best wishes to devotees. He described Ram as "the ideal of humanity, the best form of religion, our adorable dignity Purushottam Lord Shri Ram." In a post shared on social media, he expressed the importance of Ram in the faith and philosophy of India, emphasizing that Ram is the formula for India's 'Unity in Diversity.'
As the sun began to shine on the temple, the Surya Tilak was a moment of intense piety and unity, captivating the hearts of those present. Devotees believe that witnessing the Surya Tilak brings immense spiritual merit, as it connects them directly to Lord Ram's divine energy. The temple was adorned with flowers and lights, creating a festive atmosphere that resonated with the joy of the occasion.
The Surya Tilak ritual was made possible through a highly advanced optical system developed by scientists from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru. This system ensured that sunlight struck the idol's forehead at the precise moment, making it a unique blend of faith and technology.
In addition to the Surya Tilak, Ayodhya witnessed a grand celebration with over 2.5 lakh diyas lighting up Ram Ki Paidi, creating a majestic glow on the banks of the sacred Saryu River. In a first-of-its-kind spiritual experience, holy water from the River Saryu was sprinkled on devotees via drones, blending ancient rituals with modern innovation. The moment brought tears to the eyes of many pilgrims, who felt the presence of divine grace in the air.
As the day progressed, the celebration continued with a grand Deepotsav in the evening, where thousands of earthen lamps illuminated the temple town of Ayodhya, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and the birth of the divine. Ram Navami, which also marks the culmination of Chaitra Navratri, is not just a festival; it is a celebration of dharma (righteousness), truth, and virtue, all of which Lord Ram stood for.
Across India, Ram Navami was celebrated with great fervor and devotion. In North India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, the festival was marked by Akhand Paath (non-stop recitation of the Ramcharitmanas), bhajans, and theater performances called Ramlila, which narrate scenes from the Ramayana. In South India, the festival was observed as Sri Rama Navami Utsavam at temples, featuring Kalyanotsavams or mock weddings of Lord Ram and Sita.
The Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, not only dedicated to Lord Ram but also housing temples of several revered figures associated with his life and the Ramayana, reflects the temple’s deep spiritual and cultural significance. Among the figures honored are Maharishi Valmiki, the sage who composed the Ramayana, and Maharishi Vashishtha, the royal priest and guru of the Raghu dynasty.
The idol of Ram Lalla, designed with great skill and spiritual insight, is constructed from a single piece of dark-colored Krishna Shila (black stone). The idol depicts Ram Lalla as a five-year-old boy, standing upright holding a bow in one hand and the other hand raised in a divine blessing position. This positioning is in complete harmony with the Surya Tilak system, where a sunbeam lands on Ram Lalla's forehead at precisely noon on Ram Navami, representing a divine blessing from the Sun God.
As the Surya Tilak became a symbol of Ayodhya’s spiritual revival, it drew national and global attention, reflecting not just devotion but also India’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its rich cultural heritage through innovation and faith. For many, witnessing this divine moment was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to deepen their spiritual connection with Lord Ram.
In summary, the Surya Tilak of Ram Lalla on April 6, 2025, at the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya was a remarkable convergence of faith, tradition, and science, marking a significant moment in the hearts of millions of devotees.
