PM Modi hoists sacred Ram flag in Ayodhya, marking historic completion of Ram Mandir

Ayodhya witnessed a defining chapter in its modern history on November 25 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the sacred saffron flag atop the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, symbolically marking the formal completion of the temple’s construction.

The ceremony — the Dhwajarohan Utsav — unfolded during the auspicious Abhijit Muhurat, between 11:52 am and 12:35 pm, drawing lakhs of devotees across the country to televised and on-ground viewings.

The Prime Minister began the day with a roadshow to the temple complex, greeted by large crowds lining the streets as anticipation built for the ceremony. He later visited the newly constructed Sapt Mandir, dedicated to Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Maharshi Valmiki, Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj Guha, and Mata Shabari.

A flag that recalls Treta Yug — symbols of devotion and valour

The flag hoisted by PM Modi — 10 feet high and 20 feet long — bore the image of a radiant Sun, an ‘Om’, and the Kovidara tree, embodying Lord Ram’s valour and legacy. The triangular saffron banner rose atop a shikhar constructed in the traditional Nagara architectural style.

The ceremony took place on the Panchami of Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, coinciding with Ram–Sita Vivah Panchami, a day that symbolises divine union.

An idea decades in the making comes to completion

The Supreme Court’s landmark 2019 verdict paved the way for the temple’s construction. Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone on August 5, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The temple was inaugurated after Phase 1 completion on January 22, 2024, and less than two years later, the Dhwajarohan marks the completion of all major structures within the complex.

A grand moment shared across Ayodhya

With the venue unable to accommodate the massive inflow of devotees, the district administration set up over 50 LED screens and mobile viewing units across Ayodhya, tehsils and blocks to broadcast the ceremony live.

A morning of prayers and rituals

Before the flag hoisting, the Prime Minister offered prayers at the Sheshavatar Mandir, dedicated to Lord Lakshman, followed by prayers inside the Sapt Mandapam.
Vehicles carrying prasadam rolled into the temple complex for distribution among invitees.

Divine grandeur in temple decor

Designer Manish Tripathi, who crafted the ceremonial attire for the idol, said Lord Ram Lalla — adorned in a golden peetambar — along with all the deities in the complex, will appear in a “mesmerizing divine glow” for the occasion.

On the serene banks of the Sarayu, Ayodhya glowed in celebration — a city that has stood witness to centuries of devotion, now watching the flag of the Ram dynasty fly once again after epochs.