PM Modi to hoist saffron flag at Ram Temple in Ayodhya today; massive security in place

Ayodhya: The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya is set to witness another historic moment on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist a 191-foot-tall ‘Dharma Dhwaj’ atop the temple’s shikhara during a special ceremony.

The event is being described as a significant milestone in India’s socio-cultural and spiritual journey.

According to officials, the ‘Dharma Dhwaj’ carries three sacred symbols, Om, the Sun, and the Kovidara tree, each holding deep spiritual significance within the Sanatan tradition. The Kovidar tree is a hybrid of the Mandar and Parijat trees, created by Rishi Kashyap, showcasing ancient plant hybridisation. The Sun represents Lord Ram's Suryavansh lineage, and Om is the eternal spiritual sound.

The Prime Minister’s visit will begin around 10 am, with a tour of the Saptmandir complex, which houses temples dedicated to Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Maharshi Valmiki, Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj Guha and Mata Shabari. He will also visit the Sheshavtar Mandir.

Around 11 am, Modi will visit Mata Annapurna Mandir, followed by Darshan and Pooja at Ram Darbar Garbh Grah and subsequently at Ram Lalla Garbha Grah.

At 12 noon, the Prime Minister will ceremonially hoist a saffron flag on the Shikhar of the sacred Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, symbolising the completion of the temple's construction and ushering in a new chapter of cultural celebration and national unity. The Prime Minister will also address the gathering on this historic occasion.

The programme coincides with Panchami of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, aligning with the Abhijit Muhurat of Shri Ram and Maa Sita’s Vivah Panchami, an auspicious day symbolising divine union.

The right-angled triangular flag, measuring ten feet in height and twenty feet in length, bears the image of a radiant Sun symbolising the brilliance and valour of Bhagwan Shri Ram, with an ‘Om’ inscribed on it along with the image of the Kovidara tree. The sacred saffron flag will convey a message of dignity, unity, and cultural continuity, embodying the ideals of Ram Rajya.

The flag will rise atop a Shikhar built in the traditional North Indian Nagara architectural style, while the 800-metre Parkota—the circumambulatory enclosure around the temple—is designed in the South Indian architectural tradition, showcasing a blend of regional design aesthetics.

A release said that the temple complex features 87 intricately carved stone episodes from the life of Lord Ram based on the Valmiki Ramayana adorning the outer walls of the main shrine, and 79 bronze-cast episodes from Indian culture installed along the enclosure walls. ANI