PM Modi hoists saffron flag atop Ayodhya Ram Mandir symbolising completion of temple construction

The ceremony was held during the 'Abhijeet Muhurat', which, priests say, is considered the most auspicious time for a pious event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hoisted a saffron flag in Ayodhya atop the Ram Temple, marking its formal completion and said with this 'years of wound is healing'.

He said that this saffron flag represents the resurgence of Hindu civilisation and that this flag is a manifestation of years of dream.

PM Modi said truth alone triumphs. He said, “This Dharm Dhwaj symbolizes ‘praan jaay par vachan na jaaye’. This will inspire us to construct a society without poverty and sufferingand get rid of discrimination of any kind.”

He also paid tributes to 'Ram Bhakts who contributed to the construction of Ram Mandir.'

The Prime Minister said the ceremony marks the completion of a "centuries-long yajna, whose sacred flame burned for 500 years without wavering in faith or devotion."

"The divine energy of Lord Shri Ram now stands enshrined in the form of this Dharm Dhwaj at the grand temple. This flag is not merely a symbol, it represents the resurgence of Indian civilisation,” said PM Modi.

He pointed out that Ayodhya today stands witness to a historic moment of cultural awakening and that the nation and the world are immersed in devotion to Lord Ram.

"Every Ram bhakt’s heart is filled with deep satisfaction, immense gratitude, and divine joy as centuries-old wounds are healing,” he said.

PM Modi also underscored that for a nation to progress, one must feel proud of their identity. He further explained that it is required to "get rid of slave mentality".

"We need to take our legacy forward and get rid of slave mentality which Macaulay imprinted in our minds. We got freedom but not from inferiority complex. This is that slave mentality which said that the Constitution is borrowed. Truth is India is the mother of democracy and it runs in our DNA. We have examples like Tamil Nadu, Bhagwan Prasanna but we only know Magna Carta,” he said.

The flag-hoisting ceremony was held during the "Abhijeet Muhurat", which is considered the most auspicious time for any pious event.

PM Modi also performed an aarti after hoisting the flag. He also toured the Saptmandir, Sheshavtar Mandir, and Mata Annapurna Mandir, performing darshan and pooja at Ram Darbar Garbh Grah and Ram Lalla Garbh Grah.

The 2.7-acre complex now houses 14 additional temples, bells, flags, and the spire over the sanctum.

Nearly 7,000 guests attended the event, including dignitaries such as RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Governor Anandiben Patel, and CM Yogi Adityanath. Temple workers and donors were also part of the audience.

"There are people who were never invited before. They will represent the section with whom Lord Ram shared a meal and used their facilities. We have been hearing tales of Nishad Ji and Shabari Mata since childhood. So, this is a vast community. They will all be here," Chairman of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Construction Committee, Nripendra Mishra, told news agency ANI.

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra general secretary Champat Rai told PTI that the flag is triangular, and bears the symbols of the 'Surya', 'Om' and the Kovidara tree.

"The colour represents fire and the rising sun - a symbol of sacrifice and dedication. Entire world will get an opportunity to witness it on their television and mobile screens," he told reporters.