On November 25, 2025, Ayodhya witnessed a profoundly historic moment as Prime Minister Narendra Modi ceremonially hoisted the sacred Dharma Dhwaj—a saffron flag symbolizing dharma, sacrifice, and the rising sun—atop the 161-foot golden spire of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. The Dhwajarohan Utsav (flag-hoisting ceremony) marked the formal completion of the grand temple’s construction, fulfilling a centuries-old aspiration and capping a journey that began with the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict and the Pran Pratishtha in January 2024.
The ceremony unfolded during the auspicious Abhijit Muhurat (approximately 11:52 AM to 12:35 PM), coinciding with Vivah Panchami, the day commemorating the divine marriage of Lord Ram and Sita. Unlike traditional rope-pulled hoisting, PM Modi used a special mechanism to unfurl the triangular 10-foot-high by 20-foot-long Bhagwa flag, adorned with symbols of the Surya (sun), Om, and the Kovidara tree—rooted in the traditions of the Raghu dynasty.
PM Modi, joined by RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and other dignitaries including Swami Govind Dev Giri and Trust officials, offered prayers at key sites: the main temple, Saptmandir (temples dedicated to sages like Valmiki and Vishwamitra), Sheshavatar Mandir (for Lakshman), and Sapt Mandapam. Ram Lalla was adorned in a golden peetambar, creating a divine spectacle as Vedic mantras echoed from Gurukul students and devotees chanted “Jai Shri Ram.”
In his address, PM Modi described the event as a “new awakening” and the fulfillment of a 500-year resolve: “This flag is a dream come true of many years… It’s a flag of new awakening… This sacred flag will stand as a testament that truth ultimately triumphs over falsehood.” He urged breaking free from the “mentality of slavery,” learning from Lord Ram’s ideals for future generations, and building a developed India by 2047. He encouraged visitors to explore the Saptmandir during darshans.
Mohan Bhagwat highlighted the sacrifices of stalwarts like Ashok Singhal and Mahant Ramchandra Das: “Today is a day of great significance… Through this flag, certain fundamental values have been elevated… Dharma is what ensures well-being for all.” He emphasized the saffron color as representing dharma and eternal truth (Omkar), calling for an India that shares these values globally.
The temple trust had advised against visits on November 25 due to preparations, with darshan timings extended from November 26 and VIP access paused until January 26, 2026, anticipating massive crowds. Since construction began, over 45 crore devotees have visited, underscoring Ayodhya’s rise as a global spiritual hub.
The event drew mixed political reactions: some opposition voices alleged exclusion based on caste or raised secularism concerns, while supporters hailed it as the peak of Sanatan culture and civilizational justice.
This Dhwajarohan Utsav symbolizes not just architectural completion but a cultural renaissance—where faith, heritage, and national pride converge. As the saffron flag flutters eternally over Ayodhya, it stands as a beacon of resilience, truth prevailing over adversity, and a renewed commitment to dharma-guided progress in modern India.