Uttar Pradesh – Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the momentous Ram temple flag hoisting ceremony on Tuesday, marking the symbolic completion of Ayodhya’s grand temple construction. The Ram temple flag hoisting represents a significant milestone in the temple’s development, coming months after the consecration of Ram Lalla in the sanctum sanctorum in January 2024. This ceremonial event, being described by many as the symbolic “second pran pratishtha,” will see the prime minister address the gathering following the flag raising.
The Ram temple flag hoisting marks the formal declaration of the temple’s completion, with the triangular saffron flag serving as a powerful symbol of dignity, unity, and cultural continuity while embodying the ideals of Ram Rajya.
Significance of the Saffron Flag
The Ram temple flag hoisting will feature a distinctive right-angled triangular flag measuring 10 feet in height and 20 feet in length. The flag bears the image of a radiant Sun symbolizing the brilliance and valour of Lord Rama, with an ‘Om’ inscribed on it along with the image of the Kovidara tree. These symbols carry deep spiritual and cultural significance, representing various aspects of Hindu philosophy and Lord Rama’s legacy.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the saffron flag will convey messages of dignity, unity, and cultural continuity while embodying the ideals of Ram Rajya. The Ram temple flag hoisting ceremony will take place at noon on Tuesday, with the flag rising atop a ‘shikhar’ constructed in the traditional north Indian Nagara architectural style.
Massive Security Deployment
Ahead of the Ram temple flag hoisting, security has been significantly heightened throughout Ayodhya. A total of 6,970 security personnel have been deployed in the city as part of comprehensive security measures. This extensive force includes commandos from the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), National Security Guard (NSG) snipers, cyber experts, and specialized technical teams.
The massive security arrangement reflects the importance of the Ram temple flag hoisting and the expected arrival of large numbers of domestic and international visitors. Authorities have implemented multiple layers of security to ensure the smooth conduct of this historic ceremony.
Devotees Gather for Historic Occasion
Large numbers of devotees reached the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple on Monday for the ‘darshan’ of Lord Ram ahead of the ceremonial event. The Ram temple flag hoisting occasion is expected to attract significant crowds, with visitors traveling from across India and abroad to witness this momentous ceremony. The temple complex and the entire city of Ayodhya have been adorned with elaborate floral decorations, with approximately 100 tons of flowers used to beautify the sacred site.
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Architectural Splendor on Display
The Ram temple flag hoisting will showcase the temple’s magnificent architecture. The flag will rise atop the ‘shikhar’ constructed in traditional north Indian Nagara architectural style, while the surrounding 800-meter Parkota will display the temple’s diverse architectural elements. This combination of traditional design and spiritual symbolism creates a visually stunning backdrop for the ceremony.
Prime Minister’s Spiritual Itinerary
During his stay in Ayodhya for the Ram temple flag hoisting, PM Modi will undertake several spiritual activities. He will visit the Saptmandir, which houses temples dedicated to Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Maharshi Valmiki, Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj Guha, and Mata Shabari. The prime minister will also visit the Sheshavtar Mandir and the Mata Annapurna temple, where he will perform ‘darshan’ and ‘pooja’ at the Ram Darbar Garbh Grah.
Auspicious Timing of the Ceremony
The Ram temple flag hoisting falls on the auspicious Panchami date of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, coinciding with the Abhijit Muhurat of Shri Ram and Maa Sita’s Vivah Panchami. This timing adds spiritual significance to the already momentous occasion. Additionally, the date marks the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who meditated in Ayodhya for 48 hours during the 17th century, adding another layer of religious importance to the day.
Journey from Foundation to Completion
The Ram temple flag hoisting represents the culmination of a multi-year construction effort. PM Modi had performed ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ at Ram Temple on August 5, 2020, laying the foundation for the grand structure. The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony was subsequently held on January 22, 2024, when Ram Lalla was consecrated in the garbhagriha. The current Ram temple flag hoisting ceremony marks the final symbolic step in declaring the temple’s construction complete, though work continues on various aspects of the sprawling complex that will serve millions of devotees for generations to come.
