Not Just a Flag, But a Civilisational Symbol: PM Modi In Ayodhya

Ayodhya witnessed another milestone on Tuesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi ceremonially unfurled a saffron flag atop the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, an act temple authorities described as the final ritual marking the completion of the temple's construction. The ceremony took place in the presence of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The triangular flag - 10 feet tall and 20 feet long - carries symbols associated with the Ramayana tradition, including a radiant Sun, the sacred 'Om', and the Kovidara tree. The hoisting took place during the Abhijit Muhurat, considered an auspicious time in Hindu tradition, temple officials said.

"Not Just a Flag, but a Civilisational Symbol": PM Modi

Prime Minister Modi, addressing the gathering after the ritual, said the flag represented the spirit, endurance and cultural resurgence associated with the Ram temple movement.

"This Dharma Dhwaja is not just a flag. It is the flag of the rejuvenation of Indian civilisation," he said, adding that the saffron colour, the Sun insignia, the sacred syllable 'Om' and the Kovidara symbol together embody the ideals of Ram Rajya. He described the day as the culmination of centuries of struggle, sacrifice and aspiration.

Modi said that those who merely bow to the temple flag from afar receive spiritual merit, emphasising its symbolic power. "This flag will provide a glimpse of Ram Lalla's birthplace from afar and will convey the inspirations of Lord Shri Ram for ages to come," he said, extending greetings to devotees worldwide. He also thanked every artisan, worker and planner involved in building the temple.

Reflecting on the long history tied to the shrine, the Prime Minister said, "The wounds of centuries are being healed. The resolve of centuries is being fulfilled today... Today is the completion of that sacrifice whose fire remained lit for 500 years."

RSS Chief Calls It a Moment of Fulfilment

RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat called the day deeply significant for those who had long worked for the temple and those who had made sacrifices over the past several decades.

He noted that even excluding the 500-year civilizational struggle referenced by devotees, the last three decades had been an intense period of movement, mobilisation and legal battles. "Numerous people saw a dream, numerous people made efforts, and numerous people made sacrifices. Their souls must be at peace today," he said, remembering late leaders like Ashok Singhal, Mahant Ramchandra Das and Vishnu Hari Dalmia.

Bhagwat said the flag atop the temple represented Ram Rajya's ideals and urged people to work collectively to build a Bharat rooted in truth and Dharma. "We have to build a Bharat that spreads joy and peace to the world... It is our duty. Let us take Shri Ram Lalla's name and speed up this process," he added.

"Temple Symbolises Faith of 140 Crore People": Yogi Adityanath

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the newly hoisted flag and the temple itself represent the faith and self-respect of the entire nation. He described the ceremony as an affirmation of the timelessness of Dharma and the ideals of Ram Rajya.

"When PM Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, the faith that rose in the hearts of crores of Indians is now symbolised through this grand Ram Temple," he said. The saffron flag, he added, stands for integrity, justice and national duty.

Recalling the turbulent phases of the Ram temple movement, the Chief Minister said that while centuries had seen kingdoms rise and fall, "the only thing that did not change was faith." He also recalled the mobilisation led by the RSS in the 1990s and early 2000s, saying the popular resolve to build the temple endured through hardship.

Adityanath later presented miniature models of both the newly hoisted saffron flag and the Ram Lalla idol to the Prime Minister and Mohan Bhagwat.