Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted a saffron flag atop the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Tuesday in the sacred ‘Dhwajarohan’ ceremony, formally marking the completion of the temple’s construction. This historic event comes nearly two years after the consecration ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol in January 2024.
PM Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat during the ceremony, which was held during the auspicious Abhijit Muhurat (the time associated with Lord Ram’s birth) and coincided with Vivah Panchami (the day marking the marriage of Lord Ram and Sita).
Significance of the Dhwajarohan
The ‘Dhwajarohan’ (flag hoisting) ceremony signifies the temple’s transition from a construction site to a fully sovereign divine abode of Lord Ram, proclaiming its spiritual activation.
In his address at the event, PM Modi stated that the saffron flag is a powerful symbol:
“The saffron flag he hoisted at the temple is a symbol of resolve, guiding us on the path of awakening and dedication… The flag will inspire us to keep our word, even if it costs us our life. ‘Pran jaaye par vachan na jaaye, jo kaha jaaye wohi kia jaaye.’”
He added that the day marks the fulfillment of a “resolve of centuries” and the healing of “wounds of centuries.”
Details of the Saffron Flag
The saffron flag, referred to as the ‘Dharma Dhwaj’, was specially designed to fly atop the shikhar (spire) built in the traditional North Indian Nagara architectural style.
- Dimensions: It is 10 feet high and 20 feet long.
- Symbols: The flag features three sacred symbols:
- A radiant Sun: Symbolizing Lord Ram’s Suryavansh lineage and divine valour.
- An ‘Om’: Representing the eternal spiritual sound and cosmic vibration.
- The Kovidara tree: Denoting ancient wisdom, purity, and the continuity of sacred traditions.
The PM manually initiated the hoisting of the flag atop the 161-foot-high temple by pushing a button, utilizing an imported automatic system installed for safe and easy flag changes.