The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), operating under the Department of Science and Technology as an autonomous body, played a pivotal role in the innovative Surya Tilak Project at Ayodhya. This project aimed to bring sunlight directly onto the forehead of Sri Ram Lalla, an iconic event that took place at 12 noon on Sri Ram Navami during the Chaitra month. The involvement of IIA’s expert team was instrumental in ensuring the success of this unique endeavor, involving precise calculations, meticulous design, and rigorous testing.
One of the fundamental challenges in this project stemmed from the fact that the English calendar date of Sri Ram Navami varies each year due to its alignment with the Lunar Calendar. This variance directly impacts the position of the sun in the sky on the day of Sri Ram Navami, necessitating a deep understanding of astronomy and celestial mechanics. Through detailed calculations and astronomical expertise, the IIA team identified the calendar days of Sri Ram Navami for a 19-year cycle and predicted the sun’s position in the sky on these specific dates.
The role of IIA extended beyond calculations; they spearheaded the design and optimization of an intricate opto-mechanical system. This system was engineered to channel sunlight from the temple’s apex to precisely illuminate the forehead of the idol for approximately 6 minutes. The design process involved determining the size, shape, and placement of mirrors and lenses within the system, ensuring optimal light coverage on the idol’s forehead. Moreover, the team devised a manual mechanism to adjust the system’s alignment based on the sun’s position, allowing for flexibility and accuracy.
Despite the temple’s ongoing construction, IIA’s experts adeptly modified the design to accommodate the existing structure, ensuring seamless integration and functionality. The finalized design, comprising 4 mirrors and 2 lenses, was meticulously tested, assembled, and validated by IIA’s technical experts at the site, in collaboration with other stakeholders such as CBRI and Optics, Bangalore.
Looking ahead, the project’s ultimate design, featuring 4 mirrors and 4 lenses, will be implemented once the temple construction is complete. This refined design accounts for potential calendar date shifts and ensures consistent illumination on Sri Ram Navami. However, it’s important to note that the system relies on clear skies and sunlight; adverse weather conditions like clouds or rain can impact its operation.
To maintain optimal performance, the opto-mechanical system’s components are designed for accessibility and periodic cleaning. Additionally, a manual adjustment of the first mirror is required annually before Sri Ram Navami to accommodate any calendar date variations. This meticulous approach underscores IIA’s commitment to precision and reliability in realizing this significant cultural and technological achievement.
In conclusion, the collaboration between IIA, CSIR-CBRI, and Optics, Bangalore exemplifies the fusion of scientific expertise and practical implementation, paving the way for the successful execution of the Surya Tilak Project and showcasing India’s prowess in blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.
