This year’s Ram Navami in Ayodhya is very special because it’s the first celebration after the inauguration of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The city is bustling with preparations for a grand festivity, with the government of Uttar Pradesh and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust organizing everything. People from all over the country are fasting, reading the Ramayana, and praying. The holy city is buzzing with excitement, with lots of decorations, parades, and religious events.
At the pious Ram Temple in Ayodhya, during the celebrations today, the ‘Surya Tilak‘ ceremony lit up Lord Ram Lalla’s forehead precisely at noon, lasting approximately 3 minutes. A group of scientists, hired by the temple trust, employed scientific techniques to focus sunlight onto the statue’s forehead using mirrors and lenses.
The Ram Janambhoomi Mandir Hosts A Grand Ram Navami Celebration
Acharya Satyendra Das, the Chief Priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, stated that the Trust is managing all preparations for the Ram Navami celebration, which includes arranging decorations and offering 56 varieties of bhog and prasad.
He remarked that this Ram Navami holds special significance as “Ram Lalla is now in his magnificent temple, unlike previous years when he resided in a tent.” He further mentioned, “We have finished all preparations for Ram Navami. The temple is beautifully adorned, and the devotees are filled with joy and anticipation. Today, the sunlight will also illuminate the forehead of Ram Lalla.”
Continuing with the preparations, on the auspicious occasion of this holy day for Hindus, the Ram Mandir will receive a grand total of 1,11,111 kilograms of laddoos as prasad for devotees to partake in the celebration.
PM Narendra Modi’s Remark on Witnessing Surya Tilak on Ram Navami
Following his rally in Nalbari, Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi saw the Surya Tilak ceremony on Ram Lalla. In a tweet, he shared the emotional importance of the occasion and conveyed his best wishes for the historic Ram Navami celebrations in Ayodhya.
रामनवमी के पावन अवसर पर सूर्य की किरणें आज देश के नए प्रकाश का प्रतीक बनी हैं। pic.twitter.com/mNvoQXlwme
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 17, 2024
Speaking at a public gathering in Agartala, Prime Minister Modi remarked, “After 500 years of anticipation, we’re witnessing a unique Ram Navami, with Lord Ram now residing in the majestic temple at his birth place. Today, the sunlight graces the forehead of Lord Ram. It’s a fortunate coincidence that we’re here in the Northeast, where the first rays of the sun touch the land.”
UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s Remark on Witnessing Surya Tilak
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expresses, “This Navami holds immense significance. Ayodhya is brimming with excitement. After nearly 500 years, we’re joyfully celebrating Lord Ram’s birth anniversary at his revered birthplace. On this auspicious day, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of the state.”
Ram Lalla Idol Sculptor’s Remark on Witnessing Surya Tilak
Arun Yogiraj, the sculptor of the Ram Lalla idol, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Many people are coming to see Lord Ram. Thanks to his blessings, my family and I could visit and pray to Ram Lalla. Today, I experienced something remarkable: the Surya Tilak. I want to express my respect to the scientists who made it happen. It’s a moment I’ll always cherish. Scientists have worked on this for four years. I feel lucky to have spent time with them. These are things we only heard about in stories, but our scientists have made them real.”
Manish Tripathi, The Designer Behind Lord Ram Lalla’s Attire, Shares Insights Into The Design Process
Manish Tripathi provided details about the custom-designed attire for Ram Lalla at Ram Janmabhoomi Temple for Ram Navami, stating, “To begin with, I extend my wishes to everyone on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. The attire worn by Ram Lalla today is uniquely crafted. We have utilized ‘pitambar’ (yellow fabric), along with khadi and handloom materials for the ensemble. The attire incorporates symbols from the ‘Vaishno’ sect. Additionally, gold and silver threads have been intricately woven into the fabric.”
Also Read: Ram temple 2024 consecration rituals – PM Modi will visit Ayodhya for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony!
