The Dharma Dhwajarohan Utsav held in Ayodhya on Monday marked a significant milestone in the Ram Temple’s journey, symbolising its formal completion after decades of legal battles, social mobilisation and national attention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, led the ceremonial flag hoisting atop the temple complex before a gathering of devotees from across the country.
The saffron flag, measuring 10 by 20 feet, bears deep civilizational symbolism: the sun emblem representing Lord Ram’s valor, the sacred ‘Om’ denoting universal consciousness, and the Kovidara tree reflecting devotion. The ceremony was held amid heightened security and spiritual recitations, with chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ resonating across the temple premises.
Historical Significance and Symbolic Completion
The ceremony marks the concluding stage of the temple’s construction, following the Supreme Court’s landmark 2019 judgment that cleared the way for building the Ram Mandir on the disputed site. The Pran Pratistha of the Ram Lalla idol took place in January 2024, and Monday’s flag ceremony is being viewed as the final symbolic affirmation of completion.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Modi called the moment a peak expression of India’s cultural consciousness: “This flag represents national unity, spiritual strength and the collective resolve of our people.” RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasised the temple’s role in connecting generations through shared heritage.
Leadership Presence and Public Reception
The ceremony witnessed the participation of religious leaders, community representatives and cultural scholars. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that Ayodhya is now emerging as a global spiritual destination, contributing to tourism growth, economic revival and infrastructure expansion in the region.
Large screens set up across Ayodhya enabled devotees to witness the event while aerial drone views captured visuals of thousands gathered throughout the city.
Symbolism and Cultural Messaging
The saffron flag carries a message of sacrifice and discipline, values historically associated with Lord Ram. Observers note that the flag hoisting is not merely ceremonial but represents a reaffirmation of cultural roots and civilizational depth. Analysts see the event as an important moment of national symbolism and messaging, particularly at a time of global and domestic transformation.
With the flag hoisting ceremony complete, the Ram Temple is expected to welcome an even larger influx of pilgrims in the coming months. Officials anticipate a rise in infrastructure expansion, hospitality investment and employment generation around Ayodhya. Development plans include railway upgrades, roads, tourism facilities and heritage conservation.
The temple, which stands at the heart of a movement lasting generations, is now positioned as a landmark of cultural unity and national identity.
