Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially raised the saffron flag — the Dharma Dhwaj:

— on Tuesday at the top of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, signalling the completion of its construction. “Today, Ayodhya is experiencing a significant moment in India’s cultural identity. This event of flag hoisting at the top of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is exceptional. Siyawar Ramchandra ki Jai,” Mr. Modi remarked after positioning the triangular saffron flag, measuring 10 feet high and 20 feet long, which features an image of a radiant sun representing Lord Ram’s bravery, an ‘Om’ symbol, and the Kovidara tree.

The Prime Minister commenced his address with chants of “Jai Siyavar Ramchandra, Jai Siyaram,” asserting that the entire nation, and indeed the world, is imbued with the spirit of Ram.

Advertisement PM Modi leads a roadshow to the Ram Temple ahead of the flag-hoisting event. “Every devotee is filled with an unmatched sense of fulfilment, endless gratitude, and immense spiritual joy,” he stated. “Wounds that have lasted for centuries are now healing, long-held pain is finding closure, and a vow that has persisted for centuries is finally being honored. This day signifies the end of a 500-year-long yajna (ritual sacrifice) that stood unwavering in its faith and belief. The divine essence of the Shri Ram Temple’s sanctum sanctorum is now represented by the Dharma Dhwaj atop this grand temple,” he continued.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also in attendance for the event.

Come Out from the state of 'mental slavery' :

The Prime Minister portrayed the temple's construction as a journey away from mental bondage. “In 1835, an Englishman named Lord Macaulay initiated the disconnection of India from its roots, which sowed the seeds of mental slavery. While India gained political freedom, the aftereffects of that mindset continue to persist, promoting the notion that foreign ideas are superior, while our own heritage is deemed inferior. This ingrained mentality of slavery has fostered a flawed belief that India adopted democracy and its Constitution from external sources; however, the truth is that India is the origin of democratic ideals. Democracy is woven into our very essence. We should take pride in our legacy and move away from the mindset of servitude” he expressed.

What the RSS chief said: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that those who gave their lives for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya should find solace today, as the raising of the saffron flag on the shrine marked the formal conclusion of its construction. “Ashok Singhal Ji must have truly found peace today. Mahant Ramchandra Das Ji Maharaj, Dalmia Ji, and countless saints, householders, and students have endured and sacrificed. Those who were unable to witness this moment also yearned for this temple, which has now come to fruition,” Bhagwat remarked.

From the laying of the foundation stone to the present flag hoisting: The Supreme Court’s 2019 ruling facilitated the temple’s construction. PM Modi laid the foundation stone on August 5, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the completion of Phase 1 of construction, the temple was inaugurated on January 22, 2024. Less than two years after the Pran Pratishtha, all primary works within the temple complex have been finalized. SP MP claims he was not invited; BJP calls allegation 'political'  Samajwadi Party (SP) MP from Faizabad Awadhesh Prasad claimed on Tuesday that he was not invited to the flag-hoisting ceremony held at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. The BJP rejected the claim as “entirely political.” Prasad alleged on social media that his “Dalit identity” was the reason for his exclusion. 

“If I was not invited to the flag-hoisting ceremony in Ram Lalla’s presence due to belonging to a Dalit community, it reflects a lack of dignity for Ram, stemming from someone's limited perspective. Ram belongs to everyone. My struggle is not for position or invitation, but for dignity, equality, and the Constitution,” he posted on X. 

On Monday, he stated he had not yet received an invitation. “If I receive the invite, I will abandon everything and go barefoot.” Congress MP Imran Masood supported Prasad in Saharanpur, expressing that it was “unfortunate” to exclude the local MP from the prime minister’s event, suggesting that Prasad’s caste may have influenced this decision.