Ayodhya Resonates with Devotion as PM Modi Hoists Saffron Flag to Mark Completion of Ram Temple

Ayodhya, Nov 2025 : Ayodhya was steeped in devotion and emotion on Tuesday morning as thousands of devotees poured into the temple town to witness a moment many described as “historic,” “sacred,” and “five centuries in the making.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the saffron flag atop the Ram Temple, symbolically marking the completion of its construction. As the first light of dawn touched the temple spires, chants of “Jai Shri Ram” reverberated across the city, rising from crowds of pilgrims, saints, scholars, and families gathered to witness the ceremony known as “Dhwaj Arohan.”

A Moment Saints Call ‘Once in a Lifetime’

For many devotees, especially those who have followed the Ram Temple movement for decades, the ceremony held profound emotional resonance.
“This is a very fortunate day,” said Swami Narottamanda Giri of Dalmau in Rae Bareli. “This moment has come after immense tapasya and hard work. Being part of the flag-hoisting ceremony is a divine blessing.”

Devendranand Giri, a 95-year-old saint who has witnessed the temple movement since its earliest days, said he never imagined he would live to see the completion of the temple. “At this age, seeing the temple stand in its full glory gives me immeasurable joy,” he told PTI Videos.

Pilgrims echoed similar sentiments. One elderly devotee, who arrived before sunrise, said, “This moment has come after 500 years. Our ancestors waited, struggled, and sacrificed for this day. We are blessed to witness it.” Another devotee described the ceremony as “a gift from generations who kept their faith alive.”

Ceremony Led by PM Modi and RSS Chief

According to Gopal Rao, a special guest from the Ram Temple Trust, Prime Minister Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat jointly performed the rituals.
“The rituals have been completed. The Prime Minister will remain in the temple complex from 10 a.m. to around 1:30 p.m. During this time, he will offer darshan, perform puja, hoist the flag, and address the gathering,” Rao said.

He added that depending on the flow of the programme, public darshan might resume Tuesday evening. “If not today, devotees will certainly have darshan from Wednesday.”

Inside the Temple: Four Days of Sacred Rituals

Preparations for the ceremony had been underway for days. Priests have been performing continuous pujas for the past four days as part of an elaborate yagna.
“The final phase of the yagna is underway,” said temple priest Bajrang Pandey. “From 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., the last aahuti (offerings) are being made. After the Prime Minister’s programme, the yagna will resume.”

Pandey added that Vedic scholars and ritual experts from across the country—including Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra—were present to conduct and support the ceremonies.

Massive Security Operation Across Ayodhya

Given the scale of the event, the Uttar Pradesh government implemented one of the largest security deployments in the state’s history.
According to officials, 6,970 personnel, including ATS commandos, NSG snipers, cyber specialists, and technical teams, have been stationed throughout the temple town.

Advanced surveillance systems, anti-drone technology, and multi-layered security checks have been put in place. Every vehicle entering or leaving Ayodhya underwent thorough inspection, and passengers were questioned at all entry points.

Crowd management, explosive detection units, bomb squads, dog squads, VVIP protection teams, fire personnel, and rapid response units were deployed across all major access roads and temple surroundings.

Symbolic Flag Hoisted by PM Modi

Prime Minister Modi hoisted a 10-foot-high, 20-foot-long saffron flag, a right-angled triangular banner featuring:

• A radiant sun,
• An Om symbol representing Lord Rama’s valour, and
• The sacred Kovidara tree.

The flag was raised atop the temple’s Shikhar, constructed in the traditional Nagara architectural style.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the ceremony was held on the auspicious Panchami of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha. The date coincides with Vivah Panchami, marking the divine marriage of Shri Ram and Mata Sita, and also with the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who meditated in Ayodhya for 48 hours in the 17th century.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will also offer prayers at the Ram Darbar Garbhagriha and Ram Lalla Garbhagriha, and visit the Saptmandir, Sheshavatar Temple, and Mata Annapurna Temple.

Artistic Excellence on Display

The newly completed temple complex features:

• 87 intricately carved stone panels depicting episodes from the Valmiki Ramayana on the outer walls, and
• 79 bronze-cast artworks showcasing narratives from India’s cultural and spiritual history along the perimeter.

Yogi Adityanath Reviews Preparations

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the temple site on Monday to review the arrangements and issued instructions to ensure the ceremony proceeded smoothly. Officials said all necessary steps had been taken to manage the influx of devotees and maintain order during the high-profile event.