Ayodhya
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday ceremonially hoisted a saffron flag on the Shikhar of the sacred Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya and recalled the ideals and principles of the Lord besides the contributions of several others who became the flagbearers of collective power in the fight for victory over the evil.
The Dhwajarohan Utsav symbolises the completion of the temple’s construction and ushering in of a new chapter of cultural celebration and national unity. The programme was organised on the auspicious Panchami of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, coinciding with the Abhijit Muhurat of Ram and Sita’s Vivah Panchami, a day symbolizing divine union.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister emphasised that the collective strength of society is essential for building a developed India and expressed happiness that the divine courtyard of the Ram Mandir is becoming a consciousness site of India’s collective power.
He highlighted that seven temples have been built here, including the temple of Mata Shabari, which embodies the love and hospitality traditions of the tribal community. The Prime Minister noted the temple of Nishadraj, which stands as a witness to friendship that worships not the means but the purpose and its sentiment. He pointed out that in one place there are Mata Ahalya, Maharshi Valmiki, Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, and Sant Tulsidas, whose presence alongside Ram Lalla offers devotees their darshan.
He mentioned the statues of Jatayu and the squirrel, which demonstrate the importance of even the smallest efforts in achieving great resolutions. He urged every citizen that whenever they visit the Ram Mandir, they must also visit the seven temples. He underlined that these temples, along with strengthening our faith, also empower the values of friendship, duty, and social harmony.
He underlined that today the infinite energy of Lord Shri Ram’s sanctum and the divine glory of Ram’s family have been enshrined in the form of this Dharma Dhwaja in the most divine and grand temple.
“This Dharma Dhwaja is not merely a flag, but the flag of the renaissance of Indian civilization,” Modi said, explaining that its saffron colour, the glory of the solar dynasty inscribed upon it, the sacred Om depicted, and the engraved Kovidar tree symbolize the greatness of Ram Rajya. He affirmed that this flag is resolve, this flag is success, this flag is the saga of creation through struggle, this flag is the embodiment of dreams carried forward for centuries, and this flag is the meaningful culmination of the penance of saints and the participation of society.
He recalled that when Ram left Ayodhya for exile, he was Yuvaraj Ram, but when he returned, he came back as ‘Maryada Purushottam’. He emphasized that in Ram’s becoming Maryada Purushottam, the knowledge of Maharshi Vashishtha, the initiation of Maharshi Vishwamitra, the guidance of Maharshi Agastya, the friendship of Nishadraj, the affection of Mother Shabari, and the devotion of Bhakt Hanuman all played an important role.
“Our Ram connects not through differences but through emotions,” affirmed Modi stressing that for Ram, a person’s devotion is more important than lineage, values are dearer than ancestry, and cooperation is greater than mere strength.
He remarked that today we too are moving forward with the same spirit. He highlighted that in the past 11 years, women, Dalits, backward classes, tribals, the deprived, farmers, workers, and youth—every section of society—has been placed at the centre of development. He emphasized that when every individual, every section, and every region of the nation is empowered, then everyone’s effort will contribute to the fulfillment of the resolve, and it is through these collective efforts that by 2047 a developed India will be built.
