Ayodhya Blossoms for Historic Ram Temple Ceremony
The sacred city of Ayodhya is undergoing a spectacular floral transformation ahead of the landmark flag-hoisting ceremony at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple scheduled for 25 November. In an unprecedented display of devotion and preparation, approximately 100 tonnes of flowers are being used to decorate the entire temple complex and the surrounding areas, creating a vibrant and divine atmosphere for this historic occasion.
Divine Preparations in Full Swing
A temple priest involved in the preparations confirmed to ANI that the work is progressing at a rapid pace. He emphasized that flowers hold a special significance as they are very dear to Lord Ram. The decorative process follows a sacred protocol, with marigolds being placed first in honour of Lord Ganesh and then for Lord Ram. The city is now glowing with these elaborate and beautiful floral arrangements, marking it as a truly special event.
The workers decorating the temple express a deep sense of privilege. One worker shared his joy, stating that they feel incredibly lucky to have had the darshan of Lord Ram while contributing to this historic moment. He mentioned that teams have been working day and night since their arrival three days ago to ensure everything is perfect for the ceremony, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Economic and Spiritual Significance
The upcoming ceremony is not just a spiritual milestone but also a significant economic event for the region. The Chief Minister's office has highlighted that the event is expected to attract a massive influx of domestic and international visitors. This surge in pilgrimage and tourism is projected to stimulate substantial growth across multiple sectors.
The local economy is set to benefit immensely, with a particular boost expected for:
- The hospitality and travel industry
- Local artisans and crafts
- ODOP (One District One Product) linked products like jaggery
Business generated during this period is estimated to be worth several crores of rupees, providing a major impetus to the local community.
Unveiling the Historic Flag and Symbolism
The ceremony will mark the completion of the temple's main construction with the hoisting of a saffron flag atop the sanctum sanctorum. The flag itself is of great historical and spiritual importance, thanks to the discovery by Indologist Lalit Mishra.
Mishra identified the ancient design of Ayodhya's flag while studying a painting from the pictorial Ramayana of Mewar and later confirmed its description in the Valmiki Ramayana's Ayodhya Kand. The flag to be hoisted features three powerful symbols:
Om: Representing the eternal spiritual sound.
The Sun: Symbolizing Lord Ram's lineage from the Suryavansh, or the Sun dynasty.
The Kovidara Tree: A unique hybrid of the Mandar and Parijat trees, created by Rishi Kashyap, showcasing knowledge of ancient plant hybridisation.
In preparation for the thousands of expected devotees, a large-scale cleanliness drive has also been launched across Ayodhya, ensuring the city is spotless and welcoming for all visitors arriving for this momentous event.
