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.

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.

Before the ‘Dhwajarohan Utsav’, the Prime Minister and RSS chief offered prayers at Shri Ram Darbar Garbh Grah and Shri Ram Lalla amidst Vedic manta chants.

Ram Darbar features a majestic idol of Lord Ram in his royal form, flanked by the idols of Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughan, and Hanuman, set in a regal tableau that showcases the grandeur of the divine court.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi received an enthusiastic welcome as he arrived in Ayodhya for the much-awaited 'Dhwajarohan Utsav'. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed him at the Saket College helipad, after which the Prime Minister proceeded toward the temple complex, leading a vibrant roadshow.

PM Modi also offered prayers at the Sapt Mandir located within the vast Ram Temple complex.

These seven temples honour Maharishi Vashistha, Maharishi Vishwamitra, Maharishi Agastya, Maharishi Valmiki, Goddess Ahalya, Nishadraj Guha, and Mata Shabari.

The Sapt Mandirs represent the revered gurus, devotees and companions who played pivotal roles in Lord Ram's life, and their presence in the complex highlights their enduring significance.

PM Modi then headed to Sheshavtar Mandir and Mata Annapurna Mandir and offered his prayers there.

The flag hoisting ceremony holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning for devotees across the country.

The flag, designed by a parachute specialist from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, weighs between 2 and 3 kilograms and has been designed to withstand high altitudes and winds.

The event marks another milestone in the unfolding cultural renaissance centred around Ayodhya, with leaders emphasising that the flag symbolises not only religious devotion but also India's enduring civilisational ethos.

(With inputs from PTI & IANS)