Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hoisted the saffron flag on the summit of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya amid Vedic chants and slogans of “Jai Shri Ram”. With this ritual the construction of the temple was formally completed.This flag hoisting marks the completion of the temple construction and the beginning of a new chapter of cultural celebrations and national unity.
Prime Minister Modi hoisted the triangular flag on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha month on the Abhijit Muhurta of ‘Vivah Panchami’ of Lord Shri Ram and Mother Sita.
Prime Minister Modi said, “… today the city of Ayodhya is witnessing another point of India’s cultural consciousness. Today the entire India and the world are filled with Ram… There is immense supernatural joy in the heart of every Ram devotee. The wounds of centuries are healing. Today the pain of centuries is coming to an end. The resolve of centuries is being fulfilled today…”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Its saffron color and the fame of Suryavansh written on it and the Kovidar tree inscribed on it represent the work of Ram Rajya. This flag is the embodiment of determination, success, dreams that have been going on for centuries…”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “For centuries and thousands of centuries to come, this religious flag will proclaim the ideals and principles of Lord Ram. This religious flag will proclaim that truth prevails and not falsehood. This religious flag will proclaim that truth is the form of Brahma. Religion is established in truth only. This religious flag will become an inspiration that life should be sacrificed but words should not be, that is, whatever is said should be done….”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I wish crores of Ram devotees from all over the world on this unique occasion of this unforgettable moment. Today I salute all those devotees and also express my gratitude to every donor who gave their support for the construction of Ram Temple. I congratulate every laborer, every artisan, every planner, every architect associated with the construction of Ram Temple.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Here at one place there is Mata Ahalya, Maharishi Valmiki, Maharishi Vashishtha, Maharishi Vishwamitra, Maharishi Agastya and Saint Tulsidas. Along with Ramlala, all these sages are also seen here. There are also statues of Jatayu ji and squirrel here. Which shows the importance of every small effort for the accomplishment of big resolutions. I wish every countryman I would say that when you visit the Ram temple, you should also visit the Sapt Mandir. Along with faith, these temples also give strength to the values of friendship and social harmony. We all know that Ram connects with feelings and not with differences.
According to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the flag has a picture of the shining sun symbolizing the brilliance and bravery of Lord Shri Ram. Om is written on it along with the picture of Kovidar tree.
He said the saffron flag would “convey the message of dignity, unity and cultural continuity while reflecting the ideals of Ramrajya.”
Champat Rai, general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, said that with this ceremony the construction of Ram temple was formally completed.
This flag was hoisted on a pinnacle built in the traditional North Indian Nagara style, while the 800 meter wall around the temple (an enclosure designed in the South Indian architectural style) shows the architectural diversity of the temple.
On the outer walls of the main temple in the temple complex, 87 incidents related to the life of Lord Shri Ram based on Valmiki Ramayana are intricately carved on stones. There are 79 bronze-shield scenes from Indian culture inscribed on the walls of the enclosure.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also present on the occasion of flag hoisting.
Before this, Prime Minister Modi reached Sapt Mandir and also bowed his head at Maharishi Vashishtha, Maharishi Vishwamitra, Maharishi Agastya, Maharishi Valmiki, Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj Guh and Mata Shabari temple. Modi also visited Mother Annapurna. He reached Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple and performed aarti and worship of Lord Ram Lala.
Earlier, on reaching Ayodhya, he posted on Facebook, “Reached Ayodhya to participate in the flag hoisting ceremony at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple!”