By Tajdar H. Zaidi
Ayodhya: In a landmark moment in Ayodhya on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised a saffron flag atop the Ram temple’s main spire. This act signified the completion of the temple’s grand construction.
The Prime Minister’s Office earlier detailed that the right-angled triangular banner—10 feet high and 20 feet long—carries the emblem of a radiant Sun, representing Lord Rama’s energy, courage and eternal brilliance.
The PMO described the flag as a symbol of dignity, cultural continuity and the guiding principles of Ram Rajya.
Mounted on a shikhar built in the classical Nagara architectural style of northern India, the flag stands above the 800-metre Parkota, a circumambulatory pathway crafted in the southern temple tradition, together reflecting the structural diversity of the complex.
During his day-long visit, PM Modi also offered prayers at the Saptmandir complex, which honours Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Maharshi Valmiki, Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj Guha and Mata Shabari.
A roadshow through Ayodhya preceded his temple visit, after which he performed rituals at the Mata Annapurna temple and the Ram Darbar Garbh Grah.
The ceremony coincided with the sacred Panchami of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, aligning with Abhijit Muhurat of Vivah Panchami—the divine wedding day of Shri Ram and Sita.
The day also commemorated the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who is believed to have meditated in Ayodhya for two days in the 17th century, adding layers of spiritual weight to the event.
Later, writing on Instagram, PM Modi said, “Witnessing the Dharma Dhwajarohan Utsav at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir is a cherished moment for crores across India and the world… History has been created in Ayodhya.”
The temple complex showcases 87 stone-carved panels depicting episodes from the Valmiki Ramayana on the shrine’s outer walls, accompanied by 79 bronze narratives from India’s cultural legacy placed along the enclosure—creating an immersive, educational experience for pilgrims.
On Monday, ahead of the PM’s arrival, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inspected preparations on-site and instructed officials to ensure flawless execution of arrangements.
Nearly 7,000 personnel—including ATS commandos, NSG marksmen, cyber teams and technical specialists—were stationed throughout the holy city. Anti-drone units and modern surveillance tools were deployed across the temple’s periphery.
As the nation watched Modi unfurl the ‘Dharma Dhwaja’, he described the flag as a representation of “a new awakening”, saying it will forever stand for the victory of truth over deceit.
He also paid tribute to “all those who dedicated their lives, labour and devotion” to making the Ram Mandir a reality.
Top Quotes from PM Modi at the Ceremony
- “Centuries-old wounds are healing today. A 500-year resolve is being realised. This sacred flag will forever proclaim that truth prevails over falsehood.”
- “Our Ram makes no distinction—and we too must walk that path of equality.”
- “Macaulay’s framework was vast; though we gained Independence, we could not shed our inherited inferiority. In the next decade, we must break free from the mentality of slavery and reclaim pride in our heritage.”
- “It is a misconception that we imported democracy. India is the birthplace of democracy—it’s embedded in our very being.”
- “By 2047, as India completes a century of Independence, we must ensure the emergence of a fully developed nation.”
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