Ayodhya, Nov 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted a saffron flag atop the 191-foot-high spire of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya on Monday, marking the formal completion of the temple’s construction. The ceremony coincided with the Abhijit Muhurat of Shri Ram and Maa Sita’s Vivah Panchami, symbolising the culmination of centuries-long devotion and cultural significance.
“Wounds of centuries are healing today,” Modi said during the ceremony. “A 500-year-old resolve is being fulfilled. Ayodhya is witnessing another historic moment. The sacred flag will stand as proof that truth ultimately triumphs over falsehood. Our Ram does not discriminate, and we must move forward with the same spirit,” he added, highlighting both spiritual and national significance.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Earlier in the day, Modi took part in a roadshow to the temple and visited the Sapt Mandir, which enshrines temples dedicated to Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Maharshi Valmiki, Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj Guha, and Mata Shabari.
The ‘Dharma Dhwaj’ carries three sacred symbols: Om, the Sun, and the Kovidara tree. Officials noted that the Kovidar tree, a hybrid of Mandar and Parijat, was created by Rishi Kashyap and reflects ancient plant hybridisation. The Sun represents Lord Ram’s Suryavansh lineage, while Om signifies eternal spiritual sound, underscoring the symbolic depth of the flag.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the ceremony as a “renaissance of Sanatan culture.” “From the sacred hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, a grand saffron flag is being hoisted atop the spire of Lord Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple,” he posted on X. “This divine event is infusing spiritual energy across the nation. The devotion and anticipation of crores of Ram devotees are realised today at a new pinnacle. The nation is immersed in Ram, immersed in Dharma,” he added.
Modi also spoke about India’s long-term vision, noting, “By 2047, when we complete 100 years of India’s Independence, we must ensure a developed India,” suggesting that cultural milestones and national progress are intertwined in the country’s trajectory.
“Shikhara” is the rising tower or spire above the sanctum sanctorum (the innermost shrine) of a Hindu temple. It’s the tallest part of the temple and is usually richly decorated, symbolising the connection between the earthly realm and the divine. Essentially, it’s the temple’s peak, and in many traditions, the higher the shikhara, the closer it is considered to the heavens.
In the context of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, the 191-foot-high shikhara is the main spire that rises above the inner sanctum where the deity resides, and the saffron flag was hoisted on top of it.
