Well ahead of the grand consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled the first glimpse of the majestic Ram Temple captured by indigenous satellites. The 2.7-acre site of the Ram Temple is clearly visible, with an enlarged view provided through the Indian Remote Sensing series of satellites. The satellite images, taken on December 16 last year, depict the under-construction temple amid the challenging conditions of dense fog over Ayodhya, hindering a clear view.

The imagery showcases Dashrath Mahal and the Sarayu River, along with the newly renovated Ayodhya railway station. India, boasting over 50 satellites in space, has leveraged its technology, including high-resolution satellites with capabilities of less than a meter, for this endeavor. Processed by the National Remote Sensing Centre in Hyderabad, a division of ISRO, the images provide a unique perspective on the ongoing construction.

ISRO’s technological contributions extend beyond satellite imaging, playing a crucial role in various stages of the temple’s development. One significant challenge involved determining the precise location for placing the idol of Lord Ram. The trust overseeing the construction sought to position the idol in a specific 3 feet by 6 feet space believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram.

Alok Sharma, International Working President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, revealed that after the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, 40 feet of debris covered the sacred spot. Clearing this debris and securing the exact location proved to be a daunting task, considering the temple construction commenced almost three decades after the demolition. Here, space technology emerged as a crucial ally.

To pinpoint the exact spot, contractors from Larsen & Toubro, the construction firm, employed the sophisticated Differential Global Positioning System (GPS). The precise coordinates, accurate to 1-3 centimeters, served as the foundation for placing the statue in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum.

The advanced geographical instruments utilized for this purpose integrated precise location signals from India’s indigenous ‘swadeshi GPS’ – the ISRO-developed ‘Navigation with Indian Constellation’ (NavIC) satellite constellation. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath highlighted that five satellites of the NavIC constellation are currently operational, with plans for an upgrade in the system.

Antarctica Day is an international holiday that commemorates the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959. The treaty was signed by 12 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union, and it established Antarctica as a scientific preserve, free from military activity. The treaty also set aside the continent for peaceful purposes and scientific research, and it prohibited nuclear explosions and the disposal of radioactive waste.

Antarctica Day is celebrated annually on December 1st and is one of the two principal holidays in Antarctica, the other being Midwinter Day. The holiday is observed by personnel at research stations in Antarctica, and it is also celebrated worldwide through public talks, educational activities, media consumption, and flag flying.

Antarctica is a vital part of Earth’s climate system, and it plays a crucial role in global climate processes. It is an integral part of Earth’s heat balance, which is the relationship between the amount of solar heat absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere and the amount of heat reflected back into space.

Some unique flora and fauna in Antarctica are:

Flora: Antarctica has very few land plants, mostly lichens, mosses, liverworts, algae, and fungi. These plants can survive the harsh cold, dry and dark conditions of the continent. There are only two species of flowering plants in Antarctica: Antarctic hair grass and Antarctic pearlwort. They grow in the northern and coastal regions of Antarctica, where the climate is slightly warmer and wetter.

Fauna: Antarctica is home to many marine animals, such as whales, seals, penguins, fish, and squid. These animals have adapted to the cold water and the seasonal changes in food availability. Some of the most iconic animals of Antarctica are the emperor penguin, the largest and heaviest of all penguins, the blue whale, the largest animal ever to live on Earth, and the leopard seal, a fierce predator that can hunt penguins and other seals.

Sanatana Dharma, often referred to as Hinduism, is one of the world’s oldest and most complex religious and philosophical systems. It is deeply rooted in the Indian subcontinent and has a history spanning thousands of years. The term “Sanatana Dharma” itself can be translated to mean “eternal”, “eternal order” or “eternal law,” emphasizing the timeless and universal nature of its teachings.

Here are some key aspects and concepts that help define Sanatana Dharma:

Diverse Beliefs and Practices: Sanatana Dharma is not a monolithic religion with a single founder or central religious authority. Instead, it encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and traditions that have developed over millennia. It includes a multitude of deities, rituals, philosophies, and spiritual paths. This diversity is a hallmark of Hinduism.

The Concept of Dharma: Central to Sanatana Dharma is the concept of “dharma,” which can be challenging to translate succinctly but is often understood as “duty,” “righteousness,” or “law.” Dharma varies according to one’s age, caste, gender, occupation, and other factors. It provides guidelines for ethical living and harmonious societal order.

Reincarnation and Karma: Hinduism teaches the belief in reincarnation, where the soul is reborn into different bodies through successive lifetimes. One’s actions (karma) in previous lives influence their current life and future rebirths. The ultimate goal is to break the cycle of reincarnation and achieve moksha or liberation.

Moksha: Moksha is the ultimate goal of many Hindus. It represents liberation from the cycle of birth and death and the merging of the individual soul (Atman) with the universal consciousness (Brahman). Different paths, such as devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and selfless action (karma), can lead to moksha.

Polytheism and Monotheism: Hinduism is often described as a polytheistic religion because it recognizes a multitude of deities, each representing various aspects of the divine. However, it also has monotheistic and pantheistic elements, with the belief in one ultimate reality (Brahman) that underlies and unifies all things.

Sacred Texts: Hinduism has a vast collection of sacred texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. These texts provide guidance on philosophy, ethics, rituals, and myths.

Yogic Practices: Hinduism gave birth to the practice of yoga, which includes physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, and ethical guidelines. Yoga is not just a physical exercise but a holistic system for personal and spiritual development.

Temple Worship and Rituals: Hindu worship can be highly ritualistic and often takes place in temples. Devotees offer prayers, perform ceremonies, and make offerings to deities. Temples are also centers for community gatherings and cultural events.

Caste System: Hinduism historically included a caste system that classified people into social groups based on birth. While this system has evolved and is less rigid today, it still influences some aspects of Indian society.

Global Influence: Hinduism has spread beyond India’s borders, and there are Hindu communities and temples in many countries around the world. Its teachings have also influenced other religious and philosophical traditions.

It’s essential to recognize that Hinduism is not a single, homogeneous religion but a diverse and complex tapestry of beliefs and practices. Over time, it has absorbed and integrated various cultural elements and beliefs, making it a rich and multifaceted tradition.