Ram Navami 2025 in Ayodhya: Highlights of the Divine Surya Tilak Ceremony of Ram Lalla

Ayodhya witnessed a divine spectacle as the Surya Tilak ceremony marked the spiritual peak of Ram Navami 2025. At precisely 12 noon, a beam of sunlight touched the forehead of Ram Lalla at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, forming a celestial tilak that symbolised Lord Ram’s birth.

With over two lakh diyas illuminating the city and chants echoing through the temple grounds, Ayodhya turned into a sacred celebration of light and devotion. Security was tight with zonal planning and drone surveillance in place to manage the massive crowd.

From meticulous arrangements to the magical moment of Surya Tilak, this Ram Navami was a celebration of faith, tradition, and unity. A divine chapter that Ayodhya—and the hearts of devotees—will cherish forever.

The Dashavatara represents the ten principal incarnations of Lord Vishnu, who descends to Earth whenever dharma is threatened. Each incarnation is celebrated through various Jayantis (birth anniversaries) that are observed by devotees across the world. Here's a list of the ten avatars of Vishnu along with the associated Jayanti or form in which they are worshipped:

Dating the birth of Lord Rama requires understanding the vast framework of Vedic time, divided into Kalpa, Mahayuga, and Yugas. One Kalpa — a half-day of Lord Brahma — equals 1,000 Mahayugas, with each Mahayuga comprising four Yugas: Satya (Krita), Treta, Dvapara, and Kali. Kali Yuga lasts 432,000 years, and Treta Yuga, when Lord Rama was born, spans 1,296,000 years.

As per the Puranas and traditional beliefs, Lord Rama’s birth took place in Treta Yuga. Based on Vedic chronology, over 869,000 years have passed since His time, if we include the years of Kali Yuga that have elapsed.

Some scholars have tried to determine Lord Rama’s exact birth date using astronomical data. One such researcher, Pushkar Bhatnagar, used planetarium software to match planetary positions mentioned in the Ramayana. He concluded that Lord Rama was born at around 12:30 PM on 10th January 5114 BCE. However, his calculations were based on altered Yuga durations (Kali Yuga as 1,200 years), which deviates from traditional scriptures. Moreover, the software used could trace only up to 99,999 years into the past — far less than the 1 million years needed for a complete analysis.

Given these limitations, it is more accurate to accept that Lord Rama was born much earlier than 869,000 years ago, as per traditional Hindu belief. According to the Hindu calendar, His birth is celebrated on the Navami of Chaitra Shukla Paksha, famously known as Ram Navami.

Note: The above information is sourced from DrikPanchang.com

Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya of Ayodhya. King Dasharatha had two other wives, Sumitra and Kaikeyi, making the royal family a blend of strong maternal influences. Lord Rama had three devoted brothers—Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna—and also a lesser-known sister named Shanta.

He was married to Goddess Sita, the divine daughter of King Janaka of Mithila. Their sacred union is considered the epitome of dharma and devotion. Lord Rama and Sita had twin sons, Lava and Kusha, who were born and raised in the ashram of Sage Valmiki, following Sita’s exile.

On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, a divine moment unfolded at the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya as the Surya Tilak of Lord Ram was flawlessly performed at exactly 12 noon. A focused beam of sunlight, channelled through a sophisticated arrangement of mirrors and lenses, gently touched the forehead of Ram Lalla’s idol, creating a radiant tilak.

This celestial occurrence lasted for about four minutes, with the most brilliant illumination seen between two to three minutes. The atmosphere was filled with spiritual energy as devotees, teary-eyed and deeply moved, witnessed what felt like a direct blessing from Surya Dev himself. Blending sacred tradition with scientific precision, the Surya Tilak symbolised Lord Ram's divine connection to the solar dynasty—Suryavansh—and reminded all present of his eternal legacy.

Watch Surya Tilak Here

This beautiful Aarti, "Shri Ramachandra Kripalu Bhaj Man", was composed by the great saint and poet Goswami Tulsidas. It is a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Shri Ram, glorifying his divine attributes, graceful appearance, and his role as the saviour of devotees. Sung during Ram Navami and other Ram Bhakti occasions, this aarti invokes feelings of peace, devotion, and surrender in the hearts of devotees.

॥ Aarti Shri Ramachandraji ॥

Shri Ramachandra Kripalu Bhaj Man, Haran Bhav Bhay Dārunam।

Nav Kanj Lochan, Kanj Mukh, Kar Kanj, Pad Kanjārunam॥

Kandarpa Aganit Amit Chhavi, Nav Neel Neerad Sundaram।

Pat Peet Mānhu Taḍit Ruchi, Shuchi Naumi Janak Sutāvaram॥

Bhaj Deenabandhu Dinesh Dānav Daitya Vansh Nikandanam।

Raghunand Ānand Kand Kaushalchandra Dasharath Nandanam॥

Sir Mukut Kundal Tilak Chāru Udāru Ang Vibhūshanam।

Aajaanubhuja Shar Chāp-Dhar Sangrām Jit Khar-Dūshanam॥

Iti Vadati Tulsidas Shankar Shesh Muni Man Ranjanam।

Mam Hriday Kanj Nivās Kuru Kāmadikhal Dal Ganjanam॥

Man Jāhi Rācheu Milahi So Var Sahaj Sundar Sāwaro।

Karunā Nidhān Sujān Sheel Saneh Jānat Rāwaro॥

Ehi Bhānti Gauri Asees Sun Sia Hit Hiy Harshit Alī।

Tulsi Bhawānhi Pūji Puni-Puni Mudit Man Mandir Chalī॥

This Aarti captures the loving essence of Lord Ram, portraying him as the ideal king, compassionate lord, and divine protector. Singing this hymn with devotion helps one find inner peace, divine blessings, and strengthens faith in dharma. May Lord Shri Ram's grace illuminate our hearts and guide our path always.

Ram Navami 2025 Live: CM Yogi Adityanath Performs Kanya Pujan at Gorakhnath Temple | Watch

On the sacred occasion of Ram Navami 2025, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed the traditional Kanya Pujan ceremony at the historic Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur. The ritual, which involves worshipping young girls as manifestations of the divine feminine, is a key part of Navratri celebrations and symbolises reverence for Shakti, or divine energy. The ceremony witnessed spiritual fervour, devotional chants, and offerings made to nine girls, honouring the divine power in its purest form.

Watch here:

Chanting the name of Lord Rama is considered one of the most powerful spiritual practices in Hinduism. Revered as the embodiment of dharma and divine virtue, Lord Rama’s mantras hold immense significance for inner peace, protection, and guidance. These sacred chants help devotees connect with the divine presence of Shri Ram and invite blessings into their lives.

Below are some of the most powerful and widely recited Rama mantras that you can include in your daily prayers:

Samanya Mantra

Om Shri Ramachandraya Namah।

Om Ram Ramaya Namah।

Shri Rama Taraka Mantra

Shri Rama, Jaya Rama, Jaya Jaya Rama।

Shri Rama Gayatri Mantra

Om Dasharathaye Vidmahe Sitavallabhaya Dhimahi।

Tanno Ramah Prachodayat॥

Regular recitation of Lord Rama’s mantras can purify the mind, calm the soul, and bring clarity to life’s challenges. Whether you're seeking spiritual strength, emotional balance, or divine blessings, these mantras serve as a timeless source of peace and devotion.

On the sacred occasion of Ram Navami, a spiritually significant event—the Surya Tilak of Ram Lalla—will take place at the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya. This celestial moment, scheduled just after 12 noon, occurs when a ray of sunlight precisely touches the forehead of Lord Ram's idol, symbolising a divine tilak offered by the Sun God.

Before this divine event, devotees will witness a special bhog ceremony where traditional sweets and fruits are offered to Ram Lalla. The atmosphere is expected to be filled with devotion and reverence, as thousands gather to experience this spiritually charged moment.

Key Timings for Surya Tilak Ceremony

ALSO READ | Ram Navami 2025 Fasting Rules: What to Eat & What to Avoid During the Vrat

India is home to many ancient and sacred temples dedicated to Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Devotees from across the country visit these revered sites to seek blessings and experience the divine presence of Shri Ram. From the birthplace temple in Ayodhya to iconic shrines spread across various states, each temple holds historical, cultural, and spiritual importance. Here's a list of some of the most famous and prominent Rama temples in India that every devotee should visit at least once in their lifetime:

1. Shri Ramalala Temple, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
2. Hariharnath Temple, Sonpur, Bihar
3. Shri Rama Tirath Temple, Amritsar, Punjab
4. Shri Rama Raja Temple, Orchha Dham, Madhya Pradesh
5. Thiruvangad Sree Ramaswami Temple, Kerala
6. Kalarama Temple, Nashik, Maharashtra
7. Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple, Bhadrachalam, Andhra Pradesh

These revered Rama temples stand as powerful symbols of faith, devotion, and timeless heritage. Visiting them not only deepens spiritual connection but also offers a glimpse into India’s rich cultural legacy centred around Lord Rama.

Ayodhya, the revered birthplace of Lord Rama, is at the heart of grand Ram Navami celebrations. Every year, thousands of devotees from across the country journey to this sacred city to honour the divine birth of Shri Ram. The festivities begin with a holy dip in the sacred Sarayu River, followed by darshan and special rituals at the Ram temple, where the atmosphere is charged with devotion and spiritual energy.

Observing a fast on this day is considered highly auspicious. The recommended form is the Ashtami Prahar Vrat, where devotees fast from one sunrise to the next, spanning all eight prahars of the day. Ram Navami fasting can be undertaken in three forms:

• Naimittik (casual) – Observed without any specific reason or intention.
• Nitya (continual) – Followed throughout one’s life with devotion.
• Kamya (desirable) – Observed with a specific wish or desire in mind.

Each method holds spiritual significance and is believed to bring peace, blessings, and fulfilment of prayers.

Rama Navami, celebrated during the Shukla Paksha of the Chaitra month, marks the sacred birth of Lord Rama. According to Hindu tradition, Lord Rama was born on the Navami Tithi during the Madhyahna period—the middle of the day in Hindu timekeeping. This period, lasting for approximately two hours and twenty-four minutes (six Ghatis), is considered the most auspicious time to perform the Rama Navami puja.

The exact midpoint of Madhyahna is believed to be the divine moment of Lord Rama's birth. Temples across the country commemorate this moment with special rituals and celebrations. As the chanting of Lord Rama’s name reaches its crescendo, devotees gather to honour his birth with devotion, joy, and spiritual fervour.

ALSO READ | Ram Navami 2025 Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Puja at Home

Rama Navami marks the divine birth of Lord Ram and is observed during the Madhyahna period, which is considered the most auspicious time for puja. In 2025, devotees will celebrate this sacred moment with rituals performed during the midday hours, aligning with the exact time believed to be Lord Ram’s birth.

The Surya Tilak ceremony of Lord Ram is scheduled to take place at 12 noon on the auspicious day of Ram Navami 2025.

Celebrate the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami 2025 with a special live event! Watch the legendary Amitabh Bachchan narrate the timeless tale of Ram Katha live from the sacred city of Ayodhya.

Watch Now on JioHotstar

Click here to watch the live event: Ram Navami 2025 Live with Amitabh Bachchan

Ram Navami 2025: "I will pray for the welfare of the world" says Mahant Raju Das

On the sacred occasion of Ram Navami 2025, a large number of devotees thronged the Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya to mark the birth of Lord Ram. The temple was filled with spiritual energy as prayers and celebrations echoed through the holy site.

Speaking on the occasion, temple priest Mahant Raju Das said, "Devotees in large numbers are offering prayers at the temple on the occasion of Ram Navami... Today is the birthday of Lord Ram and I extend best wishes to all the devotees... I will pray for the welfare of the world..."

Ram Navami 2025: India’s First Vertical Lift Sea Bridge to Be Inaugurated by PM Modi

On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the New Pamban Bridge in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu—India’s first vertical lift sea bridge. The project marks a significant step in boosting infrastructure and connectivity in the region.

Alongside the bridge inauguration, PM Modi will also flag off a new train service between Rameswaram and Tambaram (Chennai), enhancing travel convenience for pilgrims and passengers alike.

This dual launch celebrates both technological advancement and cultural heritage on a spiritually significant day.

Wactch:

To mark Chaitra Navratri and Ram Navami, the Uttar Pradesh government has organised a two-day Akhand Paath (continuous recitation) of the Ramcharitmanas across all districts. The reading began on Ashtami and will conclude on Ram Navami, Sunday.

Special arrangements have been made at key temples in cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya, where the Akhand Paath coincides with the Surya Tilak of Ram Lalla at Ram Mandir.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Maa Pateshwari Shaktipeeth in Balrampur and instructed officials to manage large crowds at major Shaktipeeths, ensuring amenities like jute matting for queuing devotees under the sun.

As a part of unique devotional gestures, drones will spray water from the Saryu river over devotees. The Ram Mandir Trust has also extended darshan hours to accommodate the rising number of pilgrims. Extra staff has been assigned to ensure efficient crowd management inside the temple premises.

Pilgrims in Ayodhya will be able to watch the Ram Janmotsav live broadcast through LED display boards installed by the Information Department, using a live link provided by Doordarshan.

With high temperatures in the region, the administration has made arrangements for shade, mats, and ORS solutions across major sites including Ram Mandir and Hanuman Garhi. The Health Department has set up 14 temporary health centers, staffed with adequate doctors. Around seven locations have been equipped with 108 ambulances for emergency response.

Large crowds gathered at Shri Poddareshwar Ram Temple in Nagpur on Sunday to celebrate Ram Navami. Devotees offered prayers and participated in the Mangal Aarti. One devotee shared that the joy of Ram Navami was doubled this year as 'Ram Lalla' has been installed ('virajman') in Ayodhya.

To manage the large turnout, all special passes for Ram Temple entry will be cancelled between 9:00 AM and noon. During this time, regular pilgrims will be given priority for darshan.

PM Modi extends greetings to people on the occasion of Ram Navami

On Ram Navami, PM Narendra Modi extended greetings to the nation, wishing for new energy and consciousness. He announced his visit to Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, to inaugurate the new Pamban Rail Bridge and offer prayers at the Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple. During the visit, he will also launch development projects worth ?8,300 crore, aiming to boost connectivity and regional growth.

Security is tight in Ayodhya with the deployment of paramilitary forces, PAC, and civil police. Additionally, NDRF, SDRF, and water police units are on high alert, particularly around the Saryu river, to ensure the safety of all attendees.

IG Ayodhya Range Praveen Kumar stated that the city has been divided into zones and sectors to streamline the crowd. Heavy vehicles are being diverted via the Purvanchal Expressway to avoid congestion in the main city area and ensure pilgrims face no inconvenience.

As part of the grand celebration, over two lakh diyas will be lit in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, creating a divine and visually spectacular atmosphere on this sacred occasion.

In preparation for Ram Navami celebrations today, Ayodhya has witnessed massive administrative planning to manage the huge influx of devotees. Priority will be given to regular pilgrims visiting the Ram Temple, and special arrangements such as ORS solution distribution and traffic control measures have been made to ensure a smooth experience.

The sacred Ram Navami celebrations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya are set to follow a spiritually enriching schedule, culminating in the highly anticipated Surya Tilak of Ram Lalla. The day begins with the anointment of Ram Lalla from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, a ritual that holds deep symbolic and devotional significance.

Following this, the curtain will remain closed from 10:30 AM to 10:40 AM, allowing for preparation for the next segment of the ceremony. The curtain will then reopen at 10:40 AM, and the temple will witness the offering of Bhog to the deity, continuing until 11:45 AM.

The highlight of the event is scheduled for 12:00 PM, when the Surya Tilak — the divine alignment of the sun’s rays on the forehead of Ram Lalla — will take place. This moment also symbolizes the birth of Lord Ram, making it the spiritual pinnacle of the day's events and a significant milestone in the Ram Mandir's devotional calendar.

In addition to the traditional temple rituals observed during Chaitra Navratri, Akashvani's Aradhana YouTube Channel enriched the spiritual celebrations through a series of special programs aired between March 30 and April 6. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the channel featured curated devotional content daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, offering viewers an immersive spiritual experience.

A notable highlight of the programming was the "Shakti Aradhana" segment, broadcast every morning from 8:30 AM to 8:40 AM. This special feature included divine musical renditions, bhajans, and spiritual discourses, aimed at invoking the blessings of the goddess and deepening the devotional connection of the audience during the auspicious nine-day festival.

On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, the morning Aarti was performed at the Jhandewalan Temple in New Delhi. This day, also known as Maha Navami, is dedicated to the worship of Maa Siddhidatri, the ninth incarnation of Goddess Durga. Ram Navami, which marks the birth of Lord Ram, concludes the nine-day Chaitra Navratri festival.

Ram Navami 2025 in Ayodhya will be celebrated on April 6, 2025, with the main events beginning in the early morning and continuing throughout the day. The highlight of the celebrations—the Abhishek, Shringar, Chappan Bhog, and Surya Tilak of Ram Lalla—will take place at noon, marking the exact birth time of Lord Ram.

Devotees worldwide can watch the grand celebrations live through multiple platforms, including:

Doordarshan (DD National) – The Surya Tilak ceremony, an iconic moment when sunlight naturally falls on Ram Lalla’s forehead, will be telecast live on DD National.

JioHotstar – Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan will present a special narration of Ram Katha through a live-streamed event from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This interactive session will include devotional storytelling and cultural performances.

Devotees will be treated to soul-stirring live Aartis from Bhadrachalam, Panchvati, Chitrakoot, and Ayodhya, accompanied by devotional bhajans and mesmerizing cultural performances. Legendary singers like Kailash Kher and Malini Awasthi will grace the event with divine melodies, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. Additionally, special Kanya Pujan rituals will take place, where young girls, symbolizing Devi Durga’s nine forms, will be honored with offerings.

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan will bring an immersive devotional experience with his special narration of Ram Katha. The live event will be broadcast on JioHotstar from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, featuring engaging storytelling sessions tailored for children and audiences worldwide. The session will highlight key episodes from Lord Ram’s life, deepening the spiritual essence of the festival.

The Ramkot area, regarded as the classical boundary of Lord Ram’s birthplace, will be at the center of the special Parikrama (circumambulation ritual). Pilgrims from across the country will participate in this sacred walk, enhancing the spiritual significance of the event. The Parikrama symbolizes devotion, purity, and faith, making it a must-experience ritual for visitors during Ram Navami in Ayodhya.

On April 6, 2025, Ayodhya will witness historic celebrations at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, marking the birth of Lord Ram. The day will begin with Abhishek (holy bathing ritual) followed by Shringar, Aarti, and Chappan Bhog (56 food offerings). At noon, the exact birth time of Ram Lalla, a Surya Tilak ceremony will take place, where sunlight will naturally illuminate Ram Lalla’s forehead for four minutes, creating a divine spectacle. This rare event will be telecast live worldwide by Doordarshan, allowing devotees across the globe to witness this sacred moment.