PM Modi observes Surya Tilak ceremony virtually at Ram Temple in Ayodhya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers to Lord Ram and observed the Surya Tilak ceremony virtually at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya on Friday, marking the occasion of Ram Navami.

The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple witnessed the Surya Tilak as a beam of sunlight precisely illuminated the forehead of Ram Lalla’s idol at noon, creating a celestial mark. Priests conducted prayers to Ram Lalla during the event.

The nine-day festival, known as Ram Navratri, culminates on Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Ram. Each day of the festival is dedicated to honouring one of the nine incarnations of the goddess Shakti.

Ram Navami celebrates the appearance of Lord Rama in both his human and divine form and is observed with reverence and festivities across India, particularly in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

Leading up to Ram Navami, devotees observe a nine-day fast during Chaitra Navaratri, refraining from alcohol, smoking, and consuming sattvic vegetarian food, while engaging in prayer and meditation.

Security was heightened at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple as large crowds of devotees arrived to offer prayers on Navami, the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri.

ADG Lucknow Zone, Praveen Kumar, stated that extensive safety measures have been implemented to manage the influx of pilgrims, including the use of drones and a comprehensive CCTV network.

“Devotees have been arriving in large numbers to offer prayers at the temple. Proper security arrangements have been made. The security is being monitored with the help of drones and CCTV cameras,” Kumar said.