The Aryavarth Express:
Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 24 : An atmosphere of उत्साह and devotion has gripped Ayodhya ahead of Ram Navami, as elaborate arrangements are underway at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple for the much-awaited ‘Surya Tilak’ ceremony of Ram Lalla.
The celestial event will take place at exactly 12:00 PM on Ram Navami, when a beam of sunlight will illuminate the forehead of the deity inside the sanctum sanctorum for about four minutes, creating a spiritually significant and rare spectacle. Devotees from across India and abroad are eagerly anticipating the moment.
Engineers and experts have been working meticulously to ensure precise alignment for the phenomenon, with multiple trial runs scheduled ahead of the festival. The ‘Surya Tilak’ will coincide with the noon aarti, symbolizing the Sun’s offering to Lord Ram, who is believed to belong to the Solar dynasty.
According to members of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the Chaitra Ram Navami fair has already begun, drawing massive crowds. Over one lakh devotees are reportedly arriving daily for darshan, and the numbers are expected to rise further as the festival approaches.
To manage the heavy rush, authorities are installing television screens at various locations so that more devotees can witness the ceremony, even if they cannot enter the temple premises. The temple will remain open from early morning until late at night, with arrangements in place for prasad distribution.
Extensive facilities—including drinking water, shaded waiting areas, and storage for belongings—have been set up for pilgrims. Preparations for the Surya Tilak have been ongoing for nearly a month, with rehearsals ensuring smooth execution.
Officials also noted that the Surya Tilak follows a 19-year cycle, making it a unique and significant occurrence that requires careful planning each year to achieve perfect solar alignment.
