Ayodhya: The grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya witnessed a spectacular “Surya Tilak” ceremony for Ram Lalla on Friday, March 27, 2026, marking the second such occurrence since the historic Pran Pratishtha. Precisely at 12:00 PM during the auspicious Abhijit Muhurta, sunlight was diverted to illuminate the forehead of the deity for approximately nine minutes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi watched the live broadcast of the ceremony, describing it as a moment of great spiritual pride for the nation.
The Surya Tilak was made possible through a sophisticated optomechanical system featuring 20 pipes made of ashtadhatu (eight-metal alloy) extending over 65 feet. Using a series of four high-quality lenses and four mirrors, the system captured and reflected the sun’s rays directly onto the idol’s forehead within the sanctum sanctorum. Fourteen priests were present in the Garbhagriha to perform special prayers and the subsequent Aarti as the sunlight graced the deity. Following the ceremony, the temple doors were briefly closed to offer Ram Lalla a traditional feast of 56 types of delicacies (Chhappan Bhog).
To accommodate the massive influx of devotees on Ram Navami, temple authorities have extended the visiting hours significantly. Devotees can now seek darshan for 18 hours, from 5:00 AM until 11:00 PM, an increase from the usual schedule of 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM. The entire temple complex was adorned with rare flowers for the occasion, and special security measures remained in place to manage the millions of pilgrims who arrived in Ayodhya to witness the festivities.
