Ayodhya, Nov 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hoisted a saffron flag atop the 191-foot-high ‘shikhara’ of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya, marking the formal completion of its construction. The event, which coincided with the Abhijit Muhurat of Shri Ram and Maa Sita’s Vivah Panchami, symbolises a new chapter of cultural celebration and national unity.
“Shikhara” is the rising tower or spire above the sanctum sanctorum (the innermost shrine) of a Hindu temple. It’s the tallest part of the temple and is usually richly decorated, symbolising the connection between the earthly realm and the divine. Essentially, it’s the temple’s peak, and in many traditions, the higher the shikhara, the closer it is considered to the heavens.
In the context of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, the 191-foot-high shikhara is the main spire that rises above the inner sanctum where the deity resides, and the saffron flag was hoisted on top of it.
“Wounds and pain of centuries are healing today. A 500-year-old resolve is being fulfilled,” Modi said, addressing devotees and attendees. “Ayodhya is witnessing another epochal event in its history. The entire country and the globe is immersed in Ram. This sacred flag will stand as a testament that truth ultimately triumphs over falsehood. Our Ram doesn’t discriminate, and we too are moving forward with the same spirit,” he added.
Modi was accompanied by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Earlier, the Prime Minister held a roadshow to the temple and visited the newly-built Sapt Mandir, which houses temples dedicated to Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Maharshi Valmiki, Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj Guha, and Mata Shabari.
The saffron flag, called the ‘Dharma Dhwaj,’ carries three sacred symbols—Om, the Sun, and the Kovidara tree—representing spiritual values rooted in the Sanatan tradition. The Kovidar tree is a hybrid of the Mandar and Parijat trees, created by Rishi Kashyap, highlighting ancient plant hybridisation. The Sun symbolises Lord Ram’s Suryavansh lineage, while Om signifies the eternal spiritual sound, officials noted.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the event as a “renaissance of Sanatan culture.” In an X post, he wrote, “From the sacred hands of the honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, a grand saffron flag is about to be hoisted atop the spire of the Lord Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The divine message of the renaissance of Sanatan culture is infusing spiritual and soulful energy throughout Bharatvarsha. The faith, penance, and anticipation of crores of Ram devotees are today being realised at a new pinnacle. The nation is immersed in Ram, immersed in Dharma.”
The Prime Minister also talked about India’s development goals, stating, “By 2047, when we complete 100 years of India’s Independence, we will have to ensure a developed India,” noting that the temple event reflects both cultural heritage and the nation’s forward-looking vision.
