PM Modi Hoists Saffron Flag at Ayodhya Ram Temple, Marking Formal Completion

Historic Flag Hoisting Ceremony in Ayodhya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, November 25, 2025, performed the sacred 'Dhwaja Arohan' ceremony, hoisting the saffron flag atop the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. This significant event marks the formal completion of the temple's construction, approximately 22 months after the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol on January 22, 2024. The ceremony, described by many as a 'second pran pratishtha', unfolded with immense spiritual fervor and tight security measures.

The flag hoisting took place during the auspicious 'Abhijit Muhurat', between 11:52 AM and 12:35 PM, with the 'Dhwajarohan' ceremony itself concluding within 10 minutes. The timing also coincided with Vivah Panchami, an auspicious day commemorating the divine marriage of Lord Ram and Sita, adding to the spiritual significance of the occasion.

Symbolism of the Saffron Flag

The flag hoisted by Prime Minister Modi is a distinctive right-angled triangular saffron flag, measuring 10 feet high and 20 feet long (some sources state 22 feet). It features three sacred symbols: a shining Sun, an 'Om', and the Kovidara tree. The saffron color, known as 'Bhagwa Dhwaja', holds deep symbolism in Hinduism, representing:

• Wealth, Dharma, Advancement, Glory, Knowledge, and Detachment
• Sacrifice and Renunciation
• The Sun, symbolizing Lord Ram's Suryavansh lineage and dispelling darkness
• The Kovidara tree, representing ancient knowledge and tradition

The flag now flies atop the temple's 191-foot-high 'shikhar' (spire), built in the traditional Nagara architectural style.

Dignitaries and Security Arrangements

The historic event drew a large gathering of approximately 7,000 to 10,000 special guests, including prominent figures such as RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The invitee list reflected inclusivity, with representatives from diverse social backgrounds, including middle and lower-middle-class individuals, backward classes, scheduled castes, and minority communities.

Ahead of the flag hoisting, Prime Minister Modi engaged in various rituals, including visits to the Saptmandir complex, Sheshavtar Mandir, and Mata Annapurna Mandir. He also performed 'darshan' and 'pooja' at the Ram Darbar Garbh Grah and Ram Lalla Garbh Grah. Following the ceremony, the Prime Minister is scheduled to address the gathering.

Security in Ayodhya was significantly heightened for the event, with around 6,970 personnel deployed across the city. This extensive security detail included ATS commandos, NSG snipers, cyber experts, and specialized technical teams. Anti-drone systems, advanced surveillance technology, X-ray scanners, vehicle scanners, and expanded CCTV surveillance were also in operation. Vigil was also intensified along the India-Nepal border to ensure public safety and the smooth conduct of the ceremony.

Background of the Ram Temple

The Ram Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ram, believed by millions to be his birthplace, known as Ram Janmabhoomi. The site has a complex history, having been the location of the Babri Masjid, which was demolished in 1992. A landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India in November 2019 awarded the disputed land for the construction of the Ram Mandir. Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the temple in August 2020, leading to its construction and the subsequent consecration of the Ram Lalla idol in early 2024.