The Saffron Apex: Flag Hoisting and the Eternal Architecture of Ram Mandir

Ayodhya, the eternal city, stands adorned in saffron and anticipation. Following the landmark Pran Pratishtha ceremony in January 2024, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir has steadily marched towards completion. The ceremonious hoisting of the sacred flag, the 'Dhwajarohan,' atop the temple’s main shikhar (spire) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not just a concluding architectural act but a profoundly resonant socio-political and spiritual declaration. It is the moment when the physical structure receives its ultimate spiritual crowning, cementing its place as a finished testament to faith and resolve.

The Significance of the Dhwajarohan

The flag hoisting ceremony, timed with the auspicious Vivah Panchami and occurring during the Abhijit Muhurat, carries layered significance. For the devotees, the sight of the Dharma Dhwaj waving from the 161-foot-high spire symbolizes the end of a long, arduous historical journey and the triumph of justice.

Prime Minister Modi’s presence elevates the event from a religious ritual to a moment of national pride. Since the foundation stone was laid, his involvement has inextricably linked the temple’s construction to the narrative of cultural revival and national identity. The act of unfurling the flag, especially the ancient flag of Ayodhya—rediscovered by Indologists—with its potent symbols of Om, the Sun (representing Lord Ram’s Suryavansh lineage), and the sacred Kovidara tree, is a powerful visual affirmation of 'Ram Rajya' ideals and cultural continuity in modern India.

The flag, as the highest point, serves as a global announcement that the main structure is complete and Lord Ram is not just in his home, but his royal proclamation is visible from afar.

An Ode to Nagara: Architecture Designed for a Millennium

Beyond the ceremonial significance, the Ram Mandir is an extraordinary architectural achievement—a living monument to the Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture. It is a masterpiece built not just for the present, but for a thousand years.

1. The Nagara Masterpiece

The temple stands 380 feet long, 250 feet wide, and 161 feet high. It is a three-story marvel, supported by 392 intricately carved pillars and 44 doors. The Nagara style is characterized by its towering, curvilinear shikharas (spires) and the raised platform on which the temple stands. The temple complex incorporates five mandaps (halls): Nritya, Rang, Sabha, Prathana, and Kirtan, aligning along a central axis leading to the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum).

2. Endurance and Engineering without Iron

Perhaps the most striking feature is the deliberate omission of steel or iron in the entire construction. Given the estimated lifespan of iron is less than a century, the architects opted for traditional, durable materials to ensure longevity. The main structure uses the magnificent Bansi Paharpur Pink Sandstone from Rajasthan, while the plinth is built with durable granite to shield the structure from ground moisture. This "lock-and-key" mechanism construction, using only stone and traditional joining methods, reflects the wisdom of ancient Indian building practices.

3. The Pilgrimage Complex

The Ram Mandir is more than just the main shrine; it is a self-contained spiritual and civic complex.

• The Parkota: The main temple is encircled by a massive rectangular compound wall, or Parkota, stretching 732 meters long and 14 feet wide. This wall itself houses four corner temples dedicated to Surya Dev, Devi Bhagwati, Ganesh Bhagwan, and Bhagwan Shiv, symbolizing the all-encompassing nature of the Hindu pantheon. Additional temples for Maa Annapurna and Hanuman Ji grace the northern and southern arms.
• The Ramayana on Stone: The temple's exterior walls are a library of devotion, intricately carved with 87 stone-engraved episodes from the Valmiki Ramayana, offering devotees a complete pictorial narrative of Lord Ram's life.
• Modern Amenities, Ancient Soul: The complex is designed to be self-sufficient, featuring an independent power station, a sewage treatment plant, and a large Pilgrims Facility Centre (PFC) equipped with medical and locker facilities for the 25,000 devotees expected daily.

The Dhwajarohan ceremony signifies the culmination of this epic effort. It stands not just as a religious victory, but as a cultural triumph—a monumental blend of devotion, timeless architecture, and national resolve, promising to endure for the ages. Ayodhya is truly rising to meet its destiny as a global spiritual epicenter.

- Abhijit

25/11/2025