PM Modi Celebrates Ram Temple Completion in Historic Ceremony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the Ram temple in Ayodhya on November 25, 2023, by hoisting the saffron Dharma Dhwaj flag atop the landmark structure. This event marked the completion of a project that has been a symbol of religious and cultural significance, fulfilling a 500-year-old aspiration. During the ceremony, Modi emphasized that centuries-old wounds were healing and that the nation was taking a step toward a more developed future.

The ceremony took place in the presence of several dignitaries, including Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and Anandiben Patel, the state governor. Modi’s visit to Ayodhya was his fifth as Prime Minister, and it included a celebratory roadshow that attracted crowds who showered him with flower petals.

Significance of the Ceremony

Modi described the occasion as “unique” and “divine,” stating that the saffron flag adorned with symbols representing truth and righteousness would serve as a testament to the triumph of good over evil. He remarked, “Today, the entire nation and the world are immersed in Ram,” highlighting a collective healing process for the nation.

The Prime Minister’s comments also included a broader vision for India’s future. He called on citizens to embrace the values represented by Lord Ram, stating, “Ram is not a person but a value, a discipline, and a direction.” Modi urged the nation to shed the lingering effects of colonial mentality, referencing British historian Thomas Macaulay‘s influence on India’s educational and cultural landscape.

The construction of the Ram temple was sanctioned following a unanimous verdict by the Supreme Court on November 9, 2019, which resolved long-standing disputes. The foundation stone was laid on August 5, 2020, and the temple complex has since become a focal point for both religious devotion and tourism, as nearly 45 million devotees have visited since the consecration of the idol on January 22, 2024.

Cultural Celebrations in Ayodhya

The atmosphere in Ayodhya was vibrant, with a series of cultural performances celebrating the occasion. Artists from various regions showcased traditional folk, classical, and devotional music, transforming the city into a dynamic cultural hub. Thousands of devotees gathered, chanting “Jai Shri Ram” as rituals commenced for the flag hoisting atop the temple’s 161-foot spire. The saffron flag, measuring 22 feet by 11 feet, was made from parachute-grade cloth, ensuring its durability.

Among the notable guests was Iqbal Ansari, the son of the late Hashim Ansari, one of the original litigants in the Babri mosque case. His presence underscored the historical significance of the day, amidst claims from local MP Awadhesh Prasad of being excluded from the event due to his “Dalit identity,” a claim that the ruling party dismissed.

The event was marked by a strong security presence, with nearly 7,000 personnel deployed to ensure safety during the celebrations. The festival coincided with Vivah Panchami, a day that commemorates the wedding of Lord Ram, adding to the significance of the occasion.

In concluding remarks, Devendranand Giri, a 95-year-old seer, expressed his astonishment at witnessing the completion of the temple in his lifetime. He described the moment as a fulfillment of a dream cherished across generations.

As Ayodhya emerges as a global spiritual capital, the completion of the Ram temple is poised to play a crucial role in India’s cultural identity, uniting past traditions with contemporary aspirations for a developed nation by 2047.