PM Modi Hoists Saffron Flag At Ram Temple In Ayodhya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday ceremonially hoisted a saffron flag atop the Ram temple in Ayodhya, marking the formal completion of its construction.

PM Modi was accompanied by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat during the ceremony, alongside Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The right-angled triangular flag, measuring 10 feet in height and 20 feet in length, features the image of a radiant Sun, the sacred symbol 'Om', and the Kovidara tree.

The flag hoisting was done on 'Abhijit Muhurat", a planetary constellation considered auspicious by Hindus, temple officials said. The general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, Champat Rai, said the ceremony marked the formal completion of the construction of Ram temple. The saffron colour of the flag symbolises fire and the rising sun -- representing sacrifice and dedication, he said.

The "Dhwaja Rohan" ceremony signalled the final phase of the temple's construction, which began after its consecration in January 2024.

A Symbolic and Auspicious Event

The flag-hoisting is timed for a particularly sacred day-Vivaah Panchami, which commemorates the wedding anniversary of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. The brief, four-minute ritual is scheduled for a precise auspicious window between 11:52 am and 12:35 pm.

Speaking to ANI, Champat Rai, General Secretary, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said, "On Ram Vivah Panchami, Dhwajarohan will be done on the 'shikhar' of Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir after 11.50 am. PM Modi, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, Swami Govindadev Giri, UP Governor and CM will attend the function...It is a saffron flag, the colours of the flame, the colour of the rising sun. The colour symbolises sacrifice and devotion. The flag is 10 ft tall, 20 ft long and triangular in shape..."

The guest list of 6,000-7,000 people is curated to reflect a broad cross-section of society, with a special focus on inviting attendees from diverse caste groups and rural backgrounds, alongside prominent business leaders who supported the project.

A Flag Built to Last

The flag itself is a feat of engineering. Woven from special silk and parachute fabric by an Ahmedabad-based manufacturer, it is designed to endure harsh weather. At 22 feet long and 11 feet wide, it will be mounted on a 42-foot pole equipped with a 360-degree rotating system, allowing it to withstand winds of up to 60 km/h. The design features a radiant sun, the Kovidara tree, and the sacred 'Om' symbol, embodying the ideals of "Ram Rajya."

Distinguished Guests and Inclusive Gestures

The ceremony will be attended by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who will join PM Modi for prayers following the hoisting. In a notable gesture of inclusivity, three members of Varanasi's Dom community, relatives of the late Dom Raja Jagdish Chaudhary, have been invited. The Dom community holds a significant, though often overlooked, role in Hindu tradition, performing cremation rituals.

Grand Celebrations and Arrangements

For the day, general public viewing ("darshan") will be suspended to accommodate the invited guests. A massive 200-foot LED screen will broadcast the ceremony live to attendees seated in 15 specially designated blocks, each named after a revered sage.

The celebrations will extend beyond the main temple, with smaller shrines within the complex also being lavishly decorated. The rituals will be led by a group of 108 priests from across India, guided by Kashi scholar Ganeshwar Shastri, culminating in a grand spectacle where helicopters will shower flower petals over the temple spire.

With inputs from PTI