NEWS – The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) played a crucial role in the Surya Tilak Project at Ayodhya, aiming to bring sunlight onto the forehead of Sri Ram Lalla during Sri Ram Navami

HIGHLIGHTS

• Calculation and Expertise:
  • IIA conducted calculations for identifying Sri Ram Navami dates over a 19-year cycle, requiring expertise in astronomy due to the changing position of the sun each year.
• Opto-Mechanical Design:
  • IIA led the design of an opto-mechanical system to direct sunlight from the temple’s top to the idol’s forehead, including designing mirrors, lenses, and a manual mechanism for adjusting mirror positions based on the sun’s position.
• Adaptation and Implementation:
  • Due to the incomplete temple structure, IIA experts modified the design for the current setup, with 4 mirrors and 2 lenses, executed on April 17, 2024, for Surya Tilak.
  • The implementation of the system at the site was done by CSIR-Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), with device manufacturing by Optics, Bangalore.
• Future Plans and Functionality:
  • The final design with 4 mirrors and 4 lenses will be implemented post-temple completion, accommodating shifts in Ram Navami dates and requiring manual adjustments annually.
  • The system’s functionality depends on sunlight availability, with accessible lenses and mirrors for periodic cleaning and maintenance.