Ahead of the grand consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has released spectacular satellite images of the under-construction Ram Temple, offering a unique “darshan” from space.
Captured on December 16, 2023, the high-resolution images, taken by India’s Remote Sensing satellites, showcase the 2.7-acre temple site and its surrounding landmarks, including the Dashrath Mahal, Sarayu River, and the newly renovated Ayodhya railway station.
Although dense fog has hampered further imaging since then, these initial visuals provide a stunning perspective of the temple’s progress. This feat is particularly impressive considering India’s fleet of over 50 satellites, some with resolutions exceeding one meter.
Beyond offering a celestial view, ISRO technologies played a crucial role in pinpointing the exact location for Lord Ram’s idol within the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. Following the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992, locating the precise birthplace of Lord Ram posed a significant challenge. However, contractors employed advanced Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS) based on coordinates accurate to a mere 1-3 centimeters.
These DGPS instruments incorporate signals from India’s own swadeshi GPS system, the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) satellite network. With five operational satellites and plans for further upgrades, NavIC played a vital role in ensuring the idol’s placement with utmost precision.
The release of these satellite images not only offers a breathtaking view of the Ram Temple’s grand scale but also highlights the crucial role of ISRO technologies in this sacred project. As India prepares for the momentous consecration ceremony, these celestial glimpses add a unique dimension to the historic occasion.
