Odia Scientist S.K. Panigrahi leads Sun Tilak Project for Ram Lalla

Odia Scientist S.K. Panigrahi leads Sun Tilak Project for Ram Lalla

Along with the news of Pran Pratistha of Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, comes another good news for the Odia diaspora – the news that an Odia scientist is leading the team that is developing the technology to use Sun light as Tilak during Ram Navami each year in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Temple, through an optomechanical apparatus. The apparatus uses multiples lenses and mirrors, placed in specified positions at precise angles to capture and project the Sun rays on the specified day at 12:04 p.m. and project it on the forehead of Lord Ram’s idol for a duration of four minutes.
The scientists of Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, headed by Odia scientist Saroj Kumar Panigrahi, has created this inventive system entirely from brass without using electricity or batteries.

The intricate optomechanical system involves mirrors (M1 to M4), lenses (L1 to L4), and vertical piping with lenses (L2 and L3) fixed at specific angles. The ground floor components include mirrors (M3 & M4) and a lens (L4). Sunlight, when directed through this system, forms the distinctive shape of the ’tilak’ on the idol’s forehead. Collaborating with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, and Bengaluru-based Optics & Allied Engineering Pvt Ltd, the CBRI team prepared the blueprint for ‘Sun Tilak.’ 

Both organizations contributed to the fabrication of mirrors, lenses, and the tilt mechanism without any cost, although the estimated value was Rs 80 to 90 lakh. The Indian Institute of Astrophysics provided consultancy to CBRI for the optical design. Saroj Panigrahi, hailing from Paralakhemundi in Gajapati district, brings his expertise to this groundbreaking project, showcasing a fusion of tradition and cutting-edge technology.