Marking a momentous occasion in the nation’s socio-cultural and spiritual landscape, PM Narendra Modi ceremonially hoisted a saffron flag on the Shikhar of the sacred Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday.

The  Dhwajarohan Utsav symbolises the completion of the temple’s construction and ushering in a new chapter of cultural celebration and national unity. Addressing a gathering on the occasion, the PM stated that today the city of Ayodhya is witnessing yet another pinnacle of India’s cultural consciousness.

“Today the entire India and the entire world is filled with the spirit of Lord Shri Ram,” remarked Modi, highlighting that in the heart of every devotee of Ram there is unique satisfaction, boundless gratitude, and immense transcendental joy. He emphasized that centuries‑old wounds are healing, centuries of pain are coming to an end, and centuries of resolve are attaining fulfillment today. He declared that this marks the culmination of a yajna whose fire remained ignited for 500 years, a yajna that never wavered in faith, never broke in belief even for a moment. He underlined that today the infinite energy of Lord Shri Ram’s sanctum and the divine glory of Shri Ram’s family have been enshrined in the form of this Dharma Dhwaja in the most divine and grand temple. 

“This Dharma Dhwaja is not merely a flag, but the flag of the renaissance of Indian civilization,” stressed the PM, explaining that its saffron color, the glory of the Solar dynasty inscribed upon it, the sacred Om depicted, and the engraved Kovidar tree symbolize the greatness of Ram Rajya. He affirmed that this flag is resolve, this flag is success, this flag is the saga of creation through struggle, this flag is the embodiment of dreams carried forward for centuries, and this flag is the meaningful culmination of the penance of saints and the participation of society.

Declaring that for centuries and millennia to come, this Dharma Dhwaja will proclaim the ideals and principles of Lord Ram, Modi emphasized that it will call out victory belongs only to truth, not to falsehood. He highlighted that it will proclaim that truth itself is the form of Brahma and that in truth alone dharma is established. He remarked that this Dharma Dhwaja will inspire the resolve of what is spoken must be fulfilled. He underlined that it will convey the message affirming that in the world, karma and duty must hold primacy. He stated that it will express the wish meaning freedom from discrimination and suffering, and the presence of peace and happiness in society. He stressed that this Dharma Dhwaja will commit us to the resolve that we must build a society where there is no poverty, and no one is sad or helpless.

“Ayodhya is the land where ideals transform into conduct,” emphasised the PM, stating that this is the city from where Shri Ram began his life’s journey. He highlighted that Ayodhya showed the world how an individual, through the strength of society and its values, becomes Purushottam. He recalled that when Shri Ram left Ayodhya for exile, he was Yuvaraj Ram, but when he returned, he came back as ‘Maryada Purushottam’. 

“Our Ram connects not through differences but through emotions,” affirmed Modi, stressing that for Shri Ram, a person’s devotion is more important than lineage, values are dearer than ancestry, and cooperation is greater than mere strength. He remarked that today we too are moving forward with the same spirit. He highlighted that in the past 11 years, women, Dalits, backward classes, tribals, the deprived, farmers, workers, and youth—every section of society—has been placed at the center of development. He emphasized that when every individual, every section, and every region of the nation is empowered, then everyone’s effort will contribute to the fulfillment of the resolve, and it is through these collective efforts that by 2047 a developed India will be built.

Reflecting on the historic occasion of Ram Lalla’s Pran Pratishtha, the PM had spoken of linking the nation’s resolve with Lord Ram and reminded that India’s foundation must be strengthened for the coming thousand years. He stressed that those who think only of the present commit injustice to future generations, and that we must think not only of today but also of the generations to come, for the nation existed before us and will continue even after us. He emphasized that as a vibrant society we must work with foresight, keeping in mind the coming decades and centuries, and for this we must learn from Lord Ram—understand His personality, imbibe His conduct, and remember that Ram signifies ideals, discipline, and the supreme character of life. Ram is the confluence of truth and valor, the embodiment of walking the path of dharma, the one who places the happiness of the people above all, the ocean of patience and forgiveness, the pinnacle of knowledge and wisdom, the firmness within gentleness, the highest example of gratitude, the chooser of noble company, the humility within great strength, the unwavering resolve of truth, and the alert, disciplined, and sincere mind. These qualities of Ram, he added, must guide us in building a strong, visionary, and enduring India.

Background
The programme is taking place on the auspicious Panchami of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, coinciding with the Abhijit Muhurat of Shri Ram and Maa Sita’s Vivah Panchami, a day symbolizing divine union. This date also marks the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, who meditated in Ayodhya for 48 uninterrupted hours in the 17th century, further enhancing the spiritual significance of the day.

The right-angled triangular flag, measuring ten feet in height and twenty feet in length, bears the image of a radiant Sun symbolizing the brilliance and valour of Bhagwan Shri Ram,  with an ‘Om’ inscribed on it along with image of 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 constructed in the traditional North Indian Nagara architectural style, while the surrounding 800-metre Parkota,  a circumambulatory enclosure built around the temple, designed in the South Indian architectural tradition, showcases the temple’s architectural diversity.

The temple complex features 87 intricately carved stone episodes from the life of Bhagwan Shri Ram based on the Valmiki Ramayana on the outer walls of the main temple, and 79 bronze-cast episodes from Indian culture placed along the enclosure walls. Together, these elements provide a meaningful and educational experience to all visitors, offering deep insight into Bhagwan Shri Ram’s life and the cultural heritage of India.