On April 6, 2025, a stunning celestial event captivated thousands at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, during Ram Navami festivities. At precisely noon, a beam of sunlight, known as the ‘Surya Tilak’, bathed the forehead of Ram Lalla’s idol in a radiant glow. This breathtaking moment, engineered by a sophisticated optical system, left devotees in awe as they gathered to celebrate the birth of Lord Ram.
The temple, located in what is widely regarded as Lord Ram’s birthplace, shimmered with festive splendor. Adorned with vibrant flowers and brilliant lights, it drew countless pilgrims from across India. Reports state that over 200,000 diyas (oil lamps) illuminated the surroundings, casting a spellbinding scene throughout Ayodhya.
Following tradition, devotees started their pilgrimage with a purifying dip in the Saryu River before visiting the temple. In homes across the city, young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga received prasad and gifts, preserving a time-honored ritual.
#WATCH | Surya Tilak on Ram Lalla’s forehead at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple on the occasion of #RamNavami pic.twitter.com/jmtmldlWxM
— DD News (@DDNewslive) April 6, 2025
To handle the massive crowds, authorities rolled out extensive plans focusing on safety, health, and order. Drones sprayed Saryu River water over attendees to ease the heat, while Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets were handed out to combat dehydration.
Praveen Kumar, Inspector General of the Ayodhya range, told ANI that the city was organized into zones and sectors for smoother management. Heavy vehicles were redirected via the Purvanchal Expressway to reduce congestion for pilgrims. Security was tightened with paramilitary forces, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and civil police on duty, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and water police stood ready along the riverbanks. Special temple entry passes were paused during peak hours to accommodate regular worshippers.