Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday offered prayers to Shri Ram Lalla amid Vedic mantra chants at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Garbha Grah in Ayodhya.
He was accompanied by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel. The Prime Minister also offered prayers at the at Mata Annapurna Mandir, Saptmandir, Sheshavtar Mandir ahead of the flag-hoisting ceremony at the temple.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed him at the Saket College helipad, after which the Prime Minister led a roadshow towards the temple complex.
Crowds lined the route, waving the Tricolour and flags depicting Lord Ram, while chants of “Jai Shri Ram” and “Modi-Modi” echoed across the city. Residents also showered flower petals on the convoy as it moved through Ayodhya.
Before the ceremony, PM Modi offered prayers at the Sapt Mandir, which honours Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Maharshi Valmiki, Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj Guha and Mata Shabari. He also visited the Sheshavtar Mandir located within the temple premises.
At around 12 pm, the Prime Minister will hoist the saffron Dharma Dhwaj atop the temple’s 191-foot shikhara, marking the completion of the temple’s construction. He will also address the gathering.
The flag, designed by a parachute specialist from Ahmedabad, measures 22 feet by 11 feet, and is built to withstand high winds. It features three sacred symbols – Om, the Sun, and the Kovidara tree – representing key elements of the Sanatan tradition. The Kovidara tree, as per scriptures, is a hybrid created by Rishi Kashyap, while the Sun symbolises Lord Ram’s Suryavansh lineage.
The Dhwajarohan is scheduled to coincide with the Abhijit Muhurat on Vivah Panchami, considered an auspicious period linked with the marriage of Shri Ram and Maa Sita.
(With agency inputs)