In a manifestation of deep reverence and spiritual significance, the distinguished leader of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Mr. S. Somanath, embarked on a solemn pilgrimage to the sacred Chengalamma Parameshwari Temple in the hallowed precincts of Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. This spiritual sojourn transpired on the eve of a momentous event in India’s scientific chronicles—the imminent commencement of the Aditya L1 Mission, the nation’s inaugural solar exploration.
With a reverent heart, Mr. Somanath graced the temple’s sanctified threshold at the early hour of 7.30 am, bestowing offerings and fervent prayers upon the divine deity. Subsequently, the temple echoed with the solemnity of his presence, as Mr. Somanath shared his aspirations and anticipations with the press corps. He disclosed that the Aditya L1 Mission is poised to embark on its celestial odyssey at precisely 11.50 am on the ensuing day.
The Aditya L1 Mission represents an unparalleled endeavor, as ISRO’s venerated PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) undertakes a 125-day expedition to the resplendent Sun. The auspicious countdown, spanning 23.10 hours, commenced in anticipation of this monumental launch—a feat of scientific ingenuity.
Scheduled for liftoff from the auspicious second launch pad at this spaceport at 11.50 am on Saturday, September 2, the Aditya L1 Mission follows in the radiant wake of India’s triumphant lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, which culminated in the nation’s historic lunar touchdown on the hitherto uncharted terrain of the lunar South Pole.
Mr. Somanath expounded that the Aditya L1 Mission is a venerated venture designed to scrutinize the enigmatic Sun, ushering in a 125-day sojourn of discovery. He further delineated ISRO’s vision, emphasizing that this celestial odyssey constitutes merely the precursor to an expansive slate of forthcoming missions, encompassing SSLV – D3 and PSLV.
This ceremonial visit to the Chengalamma Parameshwari Temple is emblematic of a time-honored tradition, spanning 15 years, wherein ISRO dignitaries invoke divine blessings on the eve of celestial launches—a testament to the symbiotic harmony between spirituality and scientific exploration.
The ISRO chief’s prior visit to the temple, conducted on the eve of the Chandrayaan-3 launch, bore testimony to the enduring practice of invoking divine benedictions for the triumph of India’s cosmic endeavors.
