The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, a prominent autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has successfully executed a critical aspect of the Surya Tilak project at the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex in Ayodhya.
On April 17, 2024, coinciding with Sri Ram Navami, sunlight was meticulously directed onto the forehead of the idol of Sri Ram Lalla precisely at noon. This symbolic ceremony is intended to be a recurring annual event.
IIA's team spearheaded the project, demonstrating their expertise in:
- High-precision solar position calculations
- Design and optimization of a customized optical system
- On-site integration and alignment of the system
Given the ongoing construction of the temple, IIA's specialists adeptly adapted the design to seamlessly integrate with the current structure while optimizing image projection. This temporary solution employed a system of four mirrors and two lenses.
A permanent design incorporating four dedicated fixtures for mirrors and lenses will be implemented upon the temple's completion.
Optica, a Bengaluru-based company, manufactured the device, while CSIR-CBRI is entrusted with the on-site implementation of the opto-mechanical system.
Project.
