NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ayodhya on Tuesday to ceremonially hoist a saffron flag atop the spire of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple, marking the formal completion of the temple’s construction. The ceremony, scheduled around noon, is expected to draw widespread attention across the country, with authorities stepping up security in Ayodhya and across neighbouring districts.According to an official statement, the ceremony coincides with the auspicious Panchami date of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, aligning with the Abhijit Muhurat of Shri Ram and Maa Sita’s Vivah Panchami. The day also marks the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who, as per historical accounts, meditated in Ayodhya for 48 hours in the 17th century.
In a post on X, the prime minister said, “Lord Shri Ram is the soul of Bharatvarsh, its consciousness, and the foundation of its glory. For me, it is a matter of supreme good fortune that tomorrow, on 25 November, at around 10 o’clock in the morning, I shall have the opportunity to have darshan and perform puja in the divine and magnificent Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple complex in Ayodhya. Thereafter, at about 12 o’clock in the afternoon, I shall witness the historic moment of the ceremonial hoisting of the saffron flag atop the spire of the sacred temple of Shri Ram Lalla. This flag is a symbol of Lord Shri Ram’s radiance, valour, and his ideals, as well as of our faith, spirituality, and cultural heritage. Jai Shri Ram!”
What the ceremony involves
The PMO said the right-angled triangular saffron flag is ten feet high and twenty feet long, bearing the image of a radiant Sun along with an ‘Om’ and a Kovidara tree. It added that the flag conveys a message of dignity, unity and cultural continuity, and embodies the ideals of Ram Rajya.The event will also include a series of visits across the temple precinct. Around 10 am, Modi will visit Saptmandir, a cluster containing temples associated with Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Maharshi Valmiki, Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj Guha and Mata Shabari. This will be followed by stops at Sheshavtar Mandir and Mata Annapurna Mandir.The prime minister will then perform darshan and pooja at the Ram Darbar Garbh Grah and later at the Ram Lalla Garbha Grah before proceeding to the flag-hoisting ceremony. He is expected to address a public gathering thereafter.
Cultural and architectural features of the temple
Officials said the flag will be mounted on the Shikhar built in the traditional North Indian Nagara architectural style. They added that the sprawling 800-metre Parkota surrounding the temple complex has been designed in a South Indian style, reflecting architectural diversity.The PMO said the outer walls of the main shrine feature 87 carved stone scenes illustrating events from the Valmiki Ramayana, while 79 bronze-cast cultural episodes are placed along the Parkota walls. Together, these installations aim to create an educational and immersive experience for visitors.
Security tightened in Ayodhya and border districts
Ahead of the prime minister’s arrival, security has been intensified across Ayodhya and neighbouring border districts.Police and paramilitary units have increased patrolling along the India-Nepal border, and identity checks are being conducted at crossings. “All the border outposts have been kept on high alert. Patrolling in sensitive border areas has been increased to check anti-national elements,” a senior security official said.Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also reviewed arrangements on Monday and directed teams to ensure smooth crowd management and VVIP movement.According to state officials, close to 7,000 personnel, including ATS commandos, NSG snipers, cyber monitoring teams, bomb squads, dog squads and rapid response units, have been deployed. Anti-drone systems and surveillance platforms are operational, and emergency response teams have been stationed across key points in the city.With the saffron flag ceremony set for Tuesday afternoon, the event marks another milestone in Ayodhya’s spiritual and cultural transformation. Go to Source