PM Modi hoists sacred flag at Ayodhya's Ram temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hoisted a saffron flag at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir during 'Dhwaj Arohan', a sacred ceremony. After taking part in the rituals in the presence of members of the Ram Janambhoomi Trust, dignitaries and sadhus, PM Modi hoisted a 22-foot religious flag.

The saffron flag, shaped like a right-angled triangle, carries the Sun symbol, which stands for eternal energy, divine light, virtue, and enlightenment - all qualities linked to Lord Ram. The flag also has the sacred ‘Om’ symbol on it. It was placed on top of a 'shikhar' designed in the traditional North Indian Nagara architectural style.

The programme took place on a day coinciding with the Muhurat of Ram and Sita's Vivah Panchami, the Prime Minister's office said.

"The date also marks the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who meditated in Ayodhya for 48 uninterrupted hours in the 17th Century," said a statement from PM Modi's office.