Historic Flag Hoisting Ceremony at Ram Mandir
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ayodhya on Tuesday for a significant ceremonial event at the Ram Mandir. The highlight of this visit will be the hoisting of a sacred saffron flag on the temple's spire, marking the symbolic completion of the temple's construction. This event represents the third and final major ceremony at the holy site, following the Bhoomi Pujan in August 2020 and the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in January 2024.
Grand Celebrations and Distinguished Guests
The ceremony is expected to witness participation from approximately 10,000 people, primarily consisting of the foot soldiers who contributed to the Temple movement. Among the high-profile attendees are RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who join Prime Minister Modi in this historic moment.
The specially designed flag measures 10 feet in height and 20 feet in length, featuring a right-angled triangular shape. According to the Prime Minister's Office statement, the flag bears the image of a radiant Sun symbolizing Lord Rama's brilliance and valour, along with an 'Om' inscription and the image of the Kovidara tree.
Spiritual Significance and Security Arrangements
The timing of this event holds profound spiritual importance, coinciding with the Panchami date of Shukla Paksha in Margashirsha month, which also marks the Abhijit Muhurat of Shri Ram and Maa Sita's Vivah Panchami. Additionally, the date commemorates the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who meditated in Ayodhya for 48 hours during the 17th century.
Security measures have been significantly enhanced for the Prime Minister's visit, with 6,970 security personnel deployed across the holy city. The security apparatus includes commandos from ATS, NSG snipers, cyber experts, and technical teams. Advanced anti-drone technology and monitoring systems are operational throughout the temple premises and surrounding areas.
Prime Minister's Itinerary and Temple Architecture
During his Ayodhya visit, PM Modi will undertake a spiritual journey through several significant temples. His itinerary includes visits to Saptamandir, Sheshavtar Mandir, Mata Annapurna temple, and performances of darshan and pooja at Ram Darbar Garbh Grah and Ram Lalla Garbh Grah.
The temple complex showcases remarkable architectural diversity, featuring the traditional north Indian Nagara style in the main shikhar where the flag will be hoisted. The surrounding 800-meter Parkota (circumambulatory enclosure) demonstrates south Indian architectural traditions. The outer walls of the main shrine display 87 intricately carved stone episodes from Lord Ram's life based on Valmiki Ramayana, while 79 bronze-cast episodes from Indian culture adorn the enclosure walls.
The ceremonial flag hoisting scheduled around noon will not only symbolize the temple's construction completion but also usher in a new era of cultural celebration and national unity, embodying the ideals of Ram Rajya through its message of dignity, unity, and cultural continuity.
