In another milestone for the Ram Janmabhoomi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hoisted the 'Dharma Dwaja' (sacred flag) atop the Ram Mandir, symbolising the formal completion of the temple's construction.
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat were present on the occasion.
The right-angled triangular flag, measuring ten feet in height and twenty feet in length, bears the image of a radiant Sun with an ‘Om’ inscribed on it, along with the image of a Kovidara tree.
Measuring 22 feet in length and 11 feet in width, the specially designed flag weighs between two and three kilograms. It was crafted by a parachute specialist from Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The flag will convey a message of dignity, unity, and cultural continuity, embodying the ideals of Ram Rajya, said an official statement.
The flag will rise atop a 'Shikhar' constructed in the traditional North Indian Nagara architectural style. The 800-metre-long boundary wall surrounding the temple is designed in South Indian style, showcasing the structure’s architectural diversity.
Modi arrived in the holy city in the morning and held a roadshow to the Ram temple complex for the flag hoisting ceremony. He paid obeisance at Saptamandir and Mata Annapurna Mandir, before performing pooja at Ram Darbar Garbh Grah and Ram Lalla Garbha Grah.
Tight security is in place across Ayodhya, with a total of 6,970 security personnel, including commandos from the ATS, NSG snipers, cyber experts, and technical teams, being deployed in the holy city.