The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya hosted the awe-inspiring ‘Surya Tilak’ ceremony on Sunday, April 6, 2025, as part of Ram Navami festivities, celebrating Lord Ram’s birth. At precisely noon, sunlight anointed Ram Lalla’s forehead for nearly four minutes, a spectacle facilitated by an intricate lens-and-mirror system. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust shared the divine moment on X, captioning it, “Surya Tilak of Prabhu on the pious occasion of Shri Ram Navami.”

The temple buzzed with devotion as over 10 lakh pilgrims flocked to offer prayers. The day began with doors opening at 6 am, followed by the sacred ‘abhishek’ from 9:30 to 10:30 am using milk, curd, ghee, and Saryu River water. Lord Ram, adorned in new attire and a golden crown, was offered a ‘bhog’ of 56 delicacies at noon amid resounding bells. Devotees danced in joy, with many watching the ‘Mahamastakabhishek’ live worldwide, evoking the essence of Treta Yuga.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended Ram Navami greetings, calling Lord Ram “the lifeblood of India” and praying for unity and prosperity. Security was airtight, with Ayodhya divided into zones, monitored by paramilitary forces, drones, and river patrols. Facilities like shade, mats, and drinking water countered the heat, while Rath Yatras and devotional songs filled the air.

Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad, donning his red cap, prayed at the temple for communal harmony and ‘Ram Rajya.’ The celebration, peaking after eight days of fervor, blended spirituality and grandeur, leaving an indelible mark on Ayodhya’s historic landscape.