A New Era for Ayodhya: Dharma Dhwaj Flies High
In a moment of profound historical and spiritual significance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the ceremonial Dharma Dhwaj atop the sanctum of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya today. This pivotal Dhwajarohan ceremony officially marks the completion of the temple's construction, a landmark event for millions of devotees across the globe. The ceremony was strategically timed to coincide with Vivaah Panchami, the auspicious day that celebrates the divine wedding of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, infusing the occasion with deeper religious meaning.
The Ceremony and Its Sacred Symbols
The Prime Minister arrived in Ayodhya earlier in the day, commencing his visit with a series of devotional prayers. His spiritual journey began around 10 AM at the Saptmandir complex, where he paid homage at shrines dedicated to Guru Vashishtha, Guru Vishwamitra, Maharishi Valmiki, Devi Ahalya, Nishadraj, and Mata Shabari. This was followed by visits to the Sheshavatar Mandir and the Mata Annapurna Mandir. Subsequently, PM Modi performed Darshan and Pooja at the Ram Darbar Garbh Grah and the Ram Lalla Garbha Grah, setting a reverent tone for the main event.
Approximately ten minutes before noon, aligning with the sacred Abhijit Muhurat associated with Ram and Sita's marriage, PM Modi, alongside RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, hoisted the grand, triangular saffron flag. The flag itself is a repository of sacred symbolism, measuring an impressive 10 feet high and 20 feet long. It bears three powerful emblems:
- The Shining Sun, representing Lord Ram's Suryavansh lineage.
- The sacred syllable 'Om', symbolising the primordial spiritual energy of the universe.
- The Kovidara tree, a hybrid creation of Rishi Kashyap from the Mandar and Parijat trees, which stands as a symbol of harmony and ancient plant knowledge associated with the ideal of Ramrajya.
A Unifying Moment for the Nation
The event drew a massive gathering of thousands of special invitees and senior dignitaries, reflecting its immense cultural weight. The audience included Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, and Governor Anandiben Patel. CM Yogi Adityanath heralded the event as a "renaissance of Sanatan culture," stating in a social media post that this sacred act infuses "indomitable spiritual and soulful energy" across Bharat. He emphasized that the faith and penance of countless devotees had reached a new pinnacle on this historic day.
Following the flag hoisting, PM Modi addressed the gathering at noon, heralding the beginning of a new chapter of cultural celebration for the formally honoured temple. For the world, Ayodhya has always been revered as the birthplace of Lord Ram. This Dhwajarohan, led by the Prime Minister, honours not just the architectural grandeur of the Nagara-style temple with its carvings from the Valmiki Ramayana, but also the timeless spirit of dharma. It firmly re-establishes Ayodhya as a global centre for harmony, heritage, and spiritual renewal.
