Nripendra Misra, Head of Construction Panel, Says PM Modi Conceived ‘Surya Tilak’ Ceremony at Ram Temple

Mr. Nripendra Misra, the chairman of the Ayodhya Ram Temple Construction Committee, revealed that the trust plans to ensure that the ‘Surya Tilak’ ceremony, where the forehead of the idol of Ram Lalla is anointed with a ray of sunlight, is held annually on Ram Navami. This ceremony was conceived by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who aimed to blend ancient and modern technology in the temple’s construction. The ceremony took place today, with a 5.8 cm diameter ray of sunlight adorning the idol’s forehead for three to three-and-a-half minutes.

The precise positioning of the light beam required input from 10 prominent scientists, who used a combination of mirrors and lenses. The idea for the ceremony came from Prime Minister Modi, who emphasized the use of both ancient and modern technologies in the temple’s construction. He encouraged the construction committee to collaborate with the Central Building Research Institute and CSIR, expressing his vision for technology and advocating for its implementation without interference.

Mr. Misra expressed the trust’s commitment to holding the ‘Surya Tilak’ ceremony annually, with plans to adjust the ceremony when the construction of the ‘shikhar’ is completed. He mentioned that the construction process faces challenges due to the high number of daily temple visitors, but he remains optimistic about completing the construction by the end of 2024. While Mr. Misra anticipated a larger crowd on Ram Navami, factors such as open schools and the ongoing harvesting season may have impacted the turnout.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring devotees’ safety and appreciated the support received for the temple’s construction. Overall, the ‘Surya Tilak’ ceremony symbolizes the blend of tradition and modernity, as envisioned by Prime Minister Modi, and holds a special significance in the annual commemorations of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.