PM Modi Hoists Dharma Dhwaja at Ayodhya Ram Temple: Historic Rituals Begin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Ayodhya on Tuesday to take part in an important historic event at the Ram Mandir. The Prime Minister will hoist the “Dharma Dhwaja” at the temple’s shikhar, marking the near completion of the Ram Temple project, which began after the Bhumi Poojan performed by him in August 2020.

Roadshow Welcomes the Prime Minister

After arriving in Ayodhya, PM Modi led a 1.5 km long roadshow on the Ram Path. Thousands gathered along the route, showering flower petals as his convoy passed. The atmosphere remained festive with chants of “Jai Shri Ram” filling the air.

Temple Complex Ready with Major Shrines

The Ram Temple now stands complete with its main sanctum and multiple shrines surrounding it. The ground floor houses the Ram Lalla idol, which was consecrated on January 22, 2024, in a grand ceremony led by PM Modi. The first floor includes the Ram Darbar, consisting of idols of Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughan, and Hanuman. The consecration of this floor took place earlier this year in June.

Six Additional Temples Completed Inside Complex

Along with the main temple, six smaller temples located across the complex are now completed. These shrines are dedicated to:

• Goddess Durga

• Maa Annapurna

• Lord Ganesha

• Suryadev

• Lord Hanuman

• Shiva-Sheshavadhar

The Dharma Dhwaja will also be hoisted at these temples.

Visit to Sapta Mandapam

Soon after entering the temple premises, PM Modi visited the Sapta Mandapam, where idols of seven revered sages and figures are placed. These include Maharishi Vashistha, Agastya, Valmiki, Mata Shabri, Nishad Raj, Guha, and Tulsidas. The Prime Minister offered flowers and prayers before moving toward the main mandir rituals.

Leaders and Dignitaries Attend Ceremony

Several prominent leaders including RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Governor Anandiben Patel joined the Prime Minister for the rituals. Special invitees described as representatives from different communities and castes have also been seated inside the temple premises.

Symbolic Design of the Dharma Dhwaja

According to Champat Rai, Secretary of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the flag to be hoisted is saffron in colour. It features symbols of the Kividar tree, Surya, and Om. The saffron shade represents sacrifice, purity, and the rising sun.

Ancient Rituals Performed Before Hoisting

Chanting of holy mantras began before the flag hoisting ceremony. Inside the main temple, PM Modi and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat performed pooja at the Ram Darbar, followed by a similar ritual before the Ram Lalla idol.

Army Consulted for Flag Hoisting Mechanism

The Dharma Dhwaja measures approximately 20 feet in length, 10 feet in height, and weighs nearly 20 kilograms. Due to its size and special requirement for positioning, the Indian Army provided expert guidance on the hoisting process.

A Historic Moment in Ayodhya

This ceremonial hoisting marks a significant milestone in the journey of the Ram Temple — a project that has been decades in the making. The event is being seen as one of the most symbolic religious and cultural milestones in modern India.