Surya Tilak machine projects sunlight on forehead of Ram Lalla idol

Crafted at a cost of Rs 84 lakh, this machine was developed in Bengaluru

Machine scheduled to be unveiled on the day of Ram Mandir inauguration

Responding to a request from the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, a Jain family-managed company based in Bengaluru, along with two public institutions, has generously contributed an optical marvel to the upcoming Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

This remarkable device, known as the Surya Tilak machine, is poised to enhance the religious celebrations during Ram Navami, the Hindu festival venerating the birth of Lord Ram, by projecting sunlight onto a specific spot on the forehead of the Ram Lalla idol for a brief duration of 3-4 minutes.

Crafted at a cost of Rs 84 lakh, this cutting-edge machine is the brainchild of Optics & Allied Engineering Pvt Ltd (OPTICA), situated on Jigani Link Road. The collaboration between the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) has resulted in a meticulous design process spanning approximately four months. Scheduled to be unveiled on the day of the temple’s inauguration, the Surya Tilak machine is constructed as a periscope, utilizing materials like titanium, brass, and bronze to comply with the temple’s prohibition of iron.

Operational like a sophisticated periscopic arrangement, the machine features a primary mirror that captures sunlight at a specific angle on the auspicious day of Ram Navami.

Its ingenious design allows for automatic adjustments, ensuring the precise projection of sunlight onto the idol’s forehead during each Ram Navami celebration. This benevolent donation adds a touch of technological splendor to the religious observances at the revered Ram Temple in Ayodhya.