In a historic and spiritually charged event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hoisted a sacred saffron flag atop the main spire of the newly constructed Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. This Dhwajarohan ceremony marks the symbolic completion of the grand temple's construction, a moment awaited for decades by millions of devotees.
A Ceremony Steeped in Symbolism
The flag-hoisting ritual was conducted during the highly auspicious Abhijit Muhurat at 11:55 AM. The event, the third and final major ceremony at the temple, witnessed a massive gathering of approximately 10,000 people. The attendees were largely the foot soldiers of the long-standing temple movement, alongside prominent dignitaries such as RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Prior to the main event, PM Modi, accompanied by RSS chief Bhagwat, CM Adityanath, and UP Governor Anandiben Patel, offered prayers at the Mata Annapurna Temple located within the Ram Janmabhoomi complex. This act underscored the spiritual significance of the day.
The Sacred Flag and Architectural Grandeur
The flag itself is a powerful emblem. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the right-angled triangular flag measures 10 feet in height and 20 feet in length. Its design is rich with symbolism, featuring a radiant Sun representing Lord Rama's brilliance and valour, an inscribed 'Om', and an image of the Kovidara tree.
The flag now flies from a Shikhar built in the traditional North Indian Nagara style. This spire is surrounded by an 800-meter Parkota, a circumambulatory enclosure designed in the South Indian architectural tradition. This blend highlights the temple's architectural diversity, uniting different styles from across India. The PMO stated that the sacred saffron flag will convey a message of dignity, unity, and cultural continuity, embodying the ideals of Ram Rajya.
PM Modi's Spiritual Journey in Ayodhya
During his visit, the Prime Minister embarked on a spiritual tour of several significant sites in Ayodhya. He visited the Saptamandir, a complex housing temples dedicated to seven revered figures: Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Maharshi Valmiki, Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj Guha, and Mata Shabari.
His pilgrimage continued with a visit to the Sheshavtar Mandir. Furthermore, he performed ‘darshan’ and ‘pooja’ at the Ram Darbar Garbh Grah and the Ram Lalla Garbh Grah, offering his prayers.
The date of the ceremony also holds profound significance for the Sikh community, as it marks the martyrdom day of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, who meditated in Ayodhya for 48 hours in the 17th century, adding another layer of spiritual importance to the day.
This event stands as a monumental milestone, following the Bhoomi Pujan performed by PM Modi on August 5, 2020, and the Pran Pratishtha ceremony held on January 22, 2024, completing the sacred journey of the temple's construction.
