Ayodhya: As the saffron flag engraved with sacred symbols rose above the shikhar of the Ram Mandir during the Abhijit Muhurat today, it marked a special moment of national and spiritual pride. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat ceremonially hoisted the saffron flag, symbolising the completion of the temple’s construction. The monumental dhwaj that now crowns the sanctum of the Ayodhya Temple has been manufactured in Ahmedabad.

More than a ceremonial marker, the flag embodies centuries-old Sanatan faith while showcasing state-of-the-art engineering. In Sanatan tradition, a temple is considered incomplete without a dhwaj atop its spire, as the fluttering flag signifies divine presence, protection, and active spiritual energy.

Engineered in Ahmedabad for the Temple of Lord Ram

Crafted by expert artisans in Ahmedabad, the flag is stitched from parachute-grade nylon to withstand extreme sunlight, rainfall, and temperature variation. The 2.5-kg flag has been given a double synthetic protective coating, giving it a lifespan of nearly three years.

During initial trials, the standard rope snapped due to the flag’s large surface area and wind resistance. A special reinforced rope — containing a stainless-steel core wrapped in nylon yarn and sourced from Kanpur — is now being used. Given the complexity and altitude of the hoisting, experts from the Army and the Defence Ministry are overseeing the operation.

Colossal Scale and High-Altitude Design

The flag follows the traditional triangular dhwaj design and measures either 10×20 ft or 22×11 ft, depending on placement. It will be raised on a 42-foot pole atop the 161-foot shikhar, making it visible from up to 4 km across Ayodhya, including the Sarayu riverfront and Ram Path.

The pole is equipped with a motorised hoisting mechanism for smooth raising and lowering during auspicious muhurat or harsh weather, while a 360-degree ball-bearing rotation system prevents tangling and tearing in strong winds. Engineers confirm that the fabric can withstand wind speeds up to 200 km/h.

Sacred Motifs: Surya, Om and the Kovidar Tree

The Ahmedabad-made flag carries three divinely significant motifs:

🔸 Lord Surya — symbolising the Suryavansh, the Solar Dynasty of Shri Ram
🔸 ‘Om’ — representing cosmic sound, consciousness and creation
🔸 The Kovidar Tree — historically linked to Ayodhya’s royal emblem

According to the Harivansh Purana, the Kovidar once featured on Ayodhya’s royal flags; Lakshman recognised Bharat’s chariot in Chitrakoot by this very symbol. The same emblem now returns to the Ram Mandir after thousands of years, restoring Ayodhya’s ancient identity.

Auspicious Moment for the Nation

The hoisting took place during Abhijit Muhurat, coinciding with Vivah Panchami, the divine wedding of Shri Ram and Maa Sita. The event is part of the Ram–Sita Vivah Mahotsav, with nearly 8,000 devotees in attendance.

From hand-crafted workmanship in Ahmedabad to high-tech engineering on the shikhar of Ayodhya, the saffron dhwaj represents a union of devotion, heritage, and precision. For millions of devotees, it stands as a permanent symbol of Ram Rajya — strength, sacrifice, righteousness and divine presence over Ayodhya and the nation. DeshGujarat