The recent inauguration of the Surya Tilak project at Ayodhya was a unique blend of science and faith. The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), a prestigious scientific institution, played a critical role in achieving this remarkable feat.
The Challenge: Aligning Sunlight with Tradition
The Surya Tilak project aimed to bathe the forehead of the Sri Ram Lalla idol in sunlight at precisely noon during the Sri Ram Navami festival. Since Sri Ram Navami follows the lunar calendar, its English calendar date changes every year, affecting the sun’s position in the sky. IIA’s expertise in astronomy was crucial to overcome this challenge.
IIA’s Stellar Contribution
IIA’s team took the lead in several aspects of the project:
- Mapping the Sun’s Path: They meticulously calculated the calendar dates of Sri Ram Navami for a 19-year cycle, predicting the sun’s position on each day.
- Engineering Illumination: IIA designed a complex optical system using mirrors and lenses to redirect sunlight from the temple roof to the idol’s forehead. They optimized the size, shape, and placement of these components to ensure sufficient sunlight for approximately 6 minutes.
- Adapting to Reality: Since the temple construction is ongoing, IIA cleverly modified the design to fit the existing structure and optimize light distribution.
The final design, implemented for the first Surya Tilak on April 17th, 2024, utilizes four mirrors and two lenses. IIA’s technical experts played a vital role in testing, assembling, and ensuring the system functioned flawlessly during trial runs.
A Collaborative Effort
While IIA spearheaded the scientific aspects, other institutions contributed significantly. CSIR-CBRI oversaw the on-site implementation of the opto-mechanical system, and Optics, Bangalore, manufactured the device.
The Future of Surya Tilak
The current design is a temporary solution. The final design, featuring four mirrors and four lenses, will be implemented upon temple completion. IIA’s ingenious design even accounts for a one-to-two-day shift in the Sri Ram Navami date, though it will affect the duration of sunlight on the idol.
The Surya Tilak project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between science and tradition. This innovative feat will no doubt add an extra layer of significance to future Sri Ram Navami celebrations.