Devotees turn euphoric as sunrays perform ‘Mahamastakabhishek’ of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya
Devotees watch the live telecast of the program on around 150 LED screens installed in Ayodhya
Ayodhya, April 17: As the sunrays illuminated the forehead of the Lord Ram Lalla idol at Ayodhya Temple during Ram Navami celebrations on Wednesday, the scores of devotees turned euphoric. Thousands of eyes sparkled with delight, and excitement coursed through every individual present. Devotees at the temple were engrossed in capturing this magical and memorable moment. Similarly, those watching on large LED screens and from the comfort of their homes were equally captivated.
On this auspicious Ram Navami, Ayodhya was adorned beautifully, not just the Janmabhoomi temple but the entire city. This marks the first ‘janmotsav’ of Shri Ram Lalla at his birthplace after a struggle spanning five centuries.
Initially, plans were made to conduct a ‘Mahamastakabhisheka’ using sun rays after the temple’s completion. However, sages and saints argued that since Shri Ram Lalla had been established 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 realizing 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 specialized equipment, aligning with the earth’s movement. Eventually, the scientists achieved success, and at the scheduled time, 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 was festive since the Mangala Aarti on Tuesday morning. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra’s General Secretary, Champat Rai, and temple officials had been overseeing all preparations since then.
Lord Ramlala illuminated by sun rays
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 Mahamastakabhisheka took place with sun rays precisely at the birth time, followed by the completion of the Aarti amidst cheers.
Afterward, devotees were offered specially prepared ‘dhaniya ki panjiri’ (coriander panjiri) and other prasad as they exited. A Chhappan Bhog was also presented to Shri Ram Lala, with these delicacies prepared at Karsevakpuram.
Amidst meticulous planning and outstanding arrangements, everything proceeded seamlessly. The entire Ayodhya Dham was bustling with crowds today, not just the temple complex. Many also tuned in to watch the live telecast of the ‘janmotsav,’ including the Mahamastakabhishek under the sun’s rays, broadcasted on LED screens set up at multiple locations.
Along with ‘janmotsav,’ ‘Sohar’ and ‘badhayi’ songs were played everywhere
The resonant chimes of bells echoed through many math 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 ‘badhyai’ songs echoed everywhere, prompting devotees to dance to the rhythmic beats of drums. On this Ramnavami festival, millions of devotees from various places first bathed in the sacred Sarayu river and then visited numerous math and temples, including Kanak Bhawan and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex, to witness the magnificence of Lord Ram’s birth anniversary.
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. The grand ‘janmotsav’ celebrations were also observed with great pomp at major maths and temples across Ayodhya, including Ashrafi Bhawan, Shri Ram Ballabha Kunj, Dashrath Mahal, and Lakshman Fort.
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, Deputy Inspector General of Police/Senior Superintendent of Police Rajkaran Nair, and Municipal Commissioner Santosh Sharma were actively supervising areas, ensuring the safety of devotees.
They 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.
Furthermore, 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 Municipal Corporation has deployed sanitation workers in shifts around the clock to maintain cleanliness.
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 etc. at bus stations and temporary bus stations, instructions were given to all the drivers and conductors to behave cordially with the devotees.