PM Modi Hoists Sacred Saffron Flag at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir: Significance and Symbolism Explained

Ayodhya:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the sacred saffron flag at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir during the auspicious "Dhwaj Arohan" ceremony on Tuesday, marking the significant completion of the temple's construction.

NDTV has obtained exclusive images of the impressive saffron flag, which measures ten feet in height and twenty feet in length.

The right-angled triangular flag features a radiant sun symbolizing Lord Rama's brilliance and valor, with an 'Om' inscription alongside the image of a Kovidara tree.

According to scriptural tradition, the raising of the 'dhwaja' represents the triumph of 'dharma' (righteousness) over 'adharma' (unrighteousness).

"The sacred saffron flag will convey a message of dignity, unity, and cultural continuity, embodying the ideals of Ram Rajya," stated the Prime Minister's office.

The flag was raised atop a 'shikhar' built in the traditional North Indian Nagara architectural style. The surrounding 800-metre Parkota, a circumambulatory enclosure around the temple, was designed in the South Indian architectural tradition, highlighting the temple's diverse architectural influences.

"The ceremony took place on the auspicious Panchami of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, coinciding with the Abhijit Muhurat of Shri Ram and Maa Sita's Vivah Panchami, a day symbolizing divine union. This date also marks the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, who meditated in Ayodhya for 48 uninterrupted hours in the 17th century, further enhancing the spiritual significance of the day," explained the Prime Minister's Office in an official statement.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries including Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

PM Modi had previously laid the foundation stone for the Ram Mandir in August 2020, approximately one year after the Supreme Court awarded the entire 2.77-acre disputed land for the temple's construction.

The Prime Minister subsequently performed the consecration ceremony in January 2024.