Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh), April 17 (UNI) Scores of devotees turned euphoric as the 'Sun rays' illuminated the forehead of Ram Lalla's idol during the Ram Navami celebrations at Ayodhya Ram Mandir on Wednesday.
Thousands of eyes sparkled with delight and excitement coursed through every individual present. While the devotees at the temple were engrossed in capturing this magical and memorable moment, those watching on large LED screens and from the comfort of their homes were equally captivated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi watched the ceremony while returning from his Assam rally and termed it an emotional moment for him.
Taking to X, the PM posted, "After my Nalbari rally, I watched the Surya Tilak on Ram Lalla. Like crores of Indians, this is a very emotional moment for me. The grand Ram Navami in Ayodhya is historic. May this Surya Tilak bring energy to our lives and may it inspire our nation to scale new heights of glory."
On this auspicious Ram Navami, Ayodhya was adorned beautifully, not just the temple but the entire city. This marked the first 'Janmotsav' of Shri Ram Lalla at his birthplace after a struggle of 500 years.
Initially, plans were made to conduct a 'Mahamastakabhishek' using Sun rays after the temple's completion. However, sages and saints argued that since Shri Ram Lalla had been consecrated following traditional rituals, all procedures should be adhered to accordingly.
With approval from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the scientific team from the Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee, began working on realising the 'Surya Tilak' concept. The task was challenging, requiring precise coordination to direct sun rays from an upper floor onto Ram Lalla's forehead using specialised equipment, aligning with the earth's movement.
Eventually, the scientists achieved success and at the scheduled time at 12 noon a 75 mm Sun ray 'Tilak' appeared on Ram Lalla's forehead. Witnessing this divine spectacle, devotees couldn't contain their excitement, displaying childlike glee regardless of age or gender.
The atmosphere in Ayodhya has been festive since the Mangala Aarti in the morning. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra's General Secretary, Champat Rai and temple officials had been overseeing all preparations since then.
On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, Ram Lala was bathed ceremoniously and adorned in new, specially prepared festive attire. With a large crowd of devotees expected, special arrangements were in place.
The atmosphere became electric with jubilant devotees as the 'Surya Tilak' took place with sun rays precisely at the birth time of Abhijit Muhurata, followed by the completion of the Aarti amidst cheers. Devotees were offered specially prepared panjiri and other prasad as they exited.
A Chhappan Bhog (56 varieties of offerings) was also presented to Shri Ram Lala, with these delicacies prepared at Karsevak Puram. Amidst meticulous planning and outstanding arrangements, everything proceeded seamlessly.
While the entire Ayodhya Dham, not only just the temple complex, was bustling with crowd, many also tuned in to watch the spectacle of Janmotsav,’ including the Surya Tilak on LED screens set up at multiple locations. Other than the temple, about 150 LEDs have been installed by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in about 121 small and big temples outside the perimeter of the city and municipal corporation area during which the entire event was streamed live.
The resonant chimes of bells echoed through many Muths and temples, including Kanak Bhawan and the temple nestled within the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex, heralding the auspicious moment of the Lord's birth.
Ayodhya reverberated with chants of 'Bhay Pragat Kripala, Deendayala Kaushalya Hitkari' as devotees immersed themselves in the divine atmosphere. Sohar and badhai songs echoed everywhere, prompting devotees to dance to the rhythmic beats of drums.
About 25 lakh devotees visited Ayodhya on the occasion of the celebrations organised on the Ram Navami and visited various temples.
To ensure the smooth conduct of the festivities, the district and police administration implemented comprehensive security measures. Alongside the worshippers, sages and saints were deeply engrossed in their devotion to Lord Ram.
On the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, stringent security measures were implemented in Ayodhya. To manage the expected influx of visitors, Ayodhya was divided into 10 sectors. In the fairgrounds, Divisional Commissioner Gaurav Dayal, Inspector General of Police Praveen Kumar, District Magistrate Nitish Kumar, Senior Superintendent of Police Rajkaran Nair and Municipal Commissioner Santosh Sharma were actively supervised the areas, ensuring the safety of devotees
The officials expressed gratitude for everyone's cooperation and paid tribute to the devotees. These officials provided guidance, continuously patrolling the fairgrounds on foot, and overseeing security arrangements and civic amenities.
All Zonal Magistrates, Sector Magistrates, and Static Magistrates assigned to the fair area were actively performing their duties alongside their respective police officers. For the past nine days, provisions like clean water, medical camps, mobile toilets, and permanent toilets have been fully functional at various locations.
The district administration has arranged a substantial number of buses, including electric ones, to transport devotees to their destinations. Additionally, the Railways has made adequate transportation arrangements for passengers. Railway stations are under continuous surveillance by the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Police to ensure safety and security.
To ensure that Ayodhya looks completely clean and beautiful, sanitation workers have been deployed on a large scale by the Municipal Corporation and the Health Department. Gradually the devotees are leaving for their destination after the birth anniversary program.
Along with making arrangements for drinking water, cleaning staff and loudspeakers at the bus stations directives were given to all the drivers and conductors to behave cordially with the devotees.
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