Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hoisted the saffron Dharma Dhwaj atop the 191-foot-high shikhar of the Ayodhya Ram Temple. The triangular flag, measuring ten feet by twenty feet, features the image of a radiant Sun, the inscribed word ‘Om’, and the sacred Kovidara tree. The flag will be placed on a ‘shikhar’ designed in the traditional North Indian Nagara style, while the 800-metre Parkota surrounding the temple draws from South Indian architectural elements.
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Roadshow, rituals and massive devotee participation
Before the ceremony, PM Modi held a roadshow in Ayodhya and offered prayers at the Saptmandir and Sheshavtar Mandir. The rituals for the flag installation were performed by 108 Acharyas from Ayodhya, Kashi and South India, under the guidance of Kashi scholar Ganeshwar Shastri. The event is being attended by an estimated 6,000–7,000 guests from across Uttar Pradesh.
Devotees thronged the Ram Janmabhoomi complex for darshan ahead of the ceremony, which symbolically marks the formal completion of the Ram Mandir after the consecration of Ram Lalla in January 2024.
‘Our ram unites through emotion, not division’: PM Modi
As per a report by the Hindustan Times, addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, “Ayodhya is the sacred land where ideals transform into conduct. It is the very city from where Lord Shri Ram began the journey of his life.” He added, “When Shri Ram left Ayodhya, he was a prince. When he returned, he came back as Maryada Purushottam.”
He urged devotees to visit the Sapt Mandapam, saying these structures “strengthen the values of faith, friendship, duty and social harmony.” He added, “Our Ram unites through emotion, not division; what matters to him is devotion, not lineage.”
Calling the flag a symbol of India’s civilisational renewal, the Prime Minister said, “This religious flag is not merely a flag; it is the banner of the renaissance of Indian civilisation.”
Modi further said, “I extend my heartfelt greetings to the millions of Ram devotees across the world on this unforgettable moment.I also salute all the devotees today. I express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to the construction of the Ram Temple. I congratulate every labourer, artisan, planner, architect, and worker involved in the construction of the Ram Temple.”
Leaders call it the dawn of a ‘new era’
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said the moment “must have brought peace to Ashok ji's soul,” adding, “This is the flag of Dharma, the saffron flag that represents sacrifice.”
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Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said the temple reflects “140 crore Indians' faith and self-respect,” adding, “This flag is the proof that the light of Dharma is immortal, and the principles of Ram Rajya are timeless.” He described the Dhwajarohan ceremony as “a beginning of a new era.”
Ayodhya turns into a high-security zone
Reportedly, security has been significantly tightened in the temple town, with 6,970 personnel including ATS commandos, NSG snipers, cyber teams and technical units, deployed across Ayodhya.
