Ayodhya celebrates first Ram Navami at Ram temple after 500 years

AYODHYA, Apr 17: Ayodhya the birth place of Lord Ram, is celebrating its first Ram Navami on April 17 after the Pran Pratishta ceremony at the newly-built Ram temple on January 22. This is also first time the festivities are taking place at the birth place after the original temple was demolished 500 years ago.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made and lakhs of devotees are lining up for darshan. About 25 lakh devotees are expected to throng the temple town in next three days. Ninety flights were scheduled to land at the Maharishi Valmik International Airport in the city carrying devotees on the day.

A set of mirrors and lenses were arranged such that sunlight falls on the idol at 12 noon in what is being described as 'Surya Abhishek'. This childish trick officially termed 'Surya Tilak mechanism' was described by some as a "significant scientific and engineering feat". A petty attempt to disprove that the fanatically religious are 'unscientific', by summoning "esteemed' scientists to arrange the mirrors! An imitation of something similar elsewhere! This is yet another insult to Hindu worshippers and Lord Ram himself on his auspicious birthday.