Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Ayodhya on Tuesday for a major ceremonial event at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. He will hoist a saffron flag on the temple’s spire, an act that symbolises the completion of the temple’s construction.

After the hoisting, widely referred to by many as a symbolic “second pran pratishtha”, the Prime Minister will address the gathering.

Completion Marked After January Consecration

The triangular saffron flag signifies the final declaration that the Ram Mandir is now complete. Earlier, the consecration of Ram Lalla took place in the garbhagriha in January 2024. The new flag ceremony marks the next major milestone in the temple’s journey.

Security Strengthened Across Ayodhya

Before PM Modi’s arrival, security has been drastically increased. Authorities have deployed 6,970 security personnel, including ATS commandos, NSG snipers, cyber experts, and specialised technical teams. The city is under strict monitoring for the event.

Key Details About the Flag Hoisting Ceremony

Flag Specifications

PM Modi will hoist a right-angled triangular flag around noon on Tuesday. It measures 10 feet in height and 20 feet in length. The flag features:

• A radiant Sun representing the brilliance and courage of Lord Rama

• An ‘Om’ symbol

• An image of the Kovidara tree

Large Crowds Expected

A large number of devotees already reached the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple on Monday for Lord Ram’s darshan. Officials expect a major turnout from both Indian and international visitors on Tuesday.

Symbolism of the Saffron Flag

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the flag represents dignity, unity, and cultural continuity, and reflects the ideals of Ram Rajya.

Architecture and Temple Surroundings

The flag will be placed on a shikhar built in the traditional North Indian Nagara architectural style. Around the temple, the 800-metre Parkota will display a mix of architectural elements from across regions.

PM Modi’s Visits Within the Complex

During his time in Ayodhya, PM Modi will:

• Visit the Saptmandir, which contains temples dedicated to Maharshi Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, Agastya, Valmiki, Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj Guha and Mata Shabari

• Visit the Sheshavtar Mandir and the Mata Annapurna Temple

• Perform ‘darshan’ and ‘pooja’ at the Ram Darbar Garbh Grah

Auspicious Timing of the Event

The ceremony falls on Panchami of Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha. It also aligns with the Abhijit Muhurat associated with Shri Ram and Maa Sita’s Vivah Panchami. The day is also the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who meditated in Ayodhya for 48 hours in the 17th century.

City Decorated for a Grand Occasion

Ayodhya has been decorated with nearly 100 tons of flowers, creating elaborate floral displays across the temple premises and the city for the sacred event.

PM Modi earlier performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the Ram Temple on August 5, 2020. The Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla was held on January 22, 2024.