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Ayodhya, Nov 25 (IANS) The first pictures of the sacred flag to be hoisted over the Ram temple ahead of the grand ceremony were revealed on Tuesday. To commemorate the occasion, a specially designed flag will be hoisted, which will be 22 feet in length and 11 feet in width.
Designed by a parachute expert from Ahmedabad, the flag weighs between two to three kilograms and has been designed to withstand the conditions of the temple’s 161-feet-high shikhara and 42-feet-high flagpole. The sun shining on the flag is considered a symbol of the genius and bravery of Lord Rama. The flag also includes the ‘Om’ symbol and the outline of the Kovidara tree.
This sacred flag represents dignity, unity and cultural continuity and is seen as a symbol of the ideals of Ramrajya. According to the statement, the religious flag will be hoisted on the ‘shikhar’ of the temple built in the traditional North Indian civil architecture style. The approximately 800 meter long boundary wall around the temple is designed in South Indian style, showcasing the architectural diversity of the structure.
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to hoist the holy flag at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, elaborate security arrangements have been made at all the entry points of the Ram temple. Special ‘Prasad’ has also been delivered to the temple for the devotees attending the flag hoisting ceremony inside the complex.
Apart from this, Ram Path in Ayodhya has also been beautifully decorated with flowers.
However, guests attending the function will not be allowed to carry mobile phones inside the temple premises due to security reasons.
Devotees and priests also expressed deep enthusiasm and emotion on Tuesday, describing the day as historic and deeply meaningful.
Speaking to IANS, many devotees shared a feeling of pride and happiness.
A devotee said, “It is a wonderful event and a moment of pride for our India. People have reached here with great enthusiasm and happiness. Earlier it did not seem that Shri Ram was present here, but today, being here fills us with immense pride and energy as citizens of India. This happiness cannot be expressed in words.”
Another devotee said, “Today, our long-term aspiration for a Hindu nation feels close to being fulfilled with the inauguration under the leadership of our Prime Minister. We are witnessing a moment that will be remembered in history. Devotees and workers from Kashi and other areas have already started traveling to the temple, and once reached, they will take their places at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple to witness and celebrate this grand occasion.”
Priests also shared the emotional significance of this moment. Priest Bhola Patwa recalled a prayer from decades ago: “I want to tell everyone that in 1971, I prayed to Maharaj, Guru Maharaj Anant Shri Devrabhavji Maharaj, Jogi Sambaradh and Swami Devrabhavji Maharaj as to when people would be able to see the temple, the deity and the holy site of Ram Janmabhoomi. Today, that vision has become reality.”
Another priest said, “Today is a very exciting day, now that the Ram temple has been constructed. We express our gratitude to Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Modi. The temple has been constructed with great dedication, which has brought about remarkable changes. It stands as a magnificent and inspiring structure, reflecting the devotion and tireless efforts of everyone involved in it.”
Meanwhile, the Ram temple in Ayodhya will not be available to the general public till 2:30 pm today due to the Prime Minister’s visit. During this period, only invited guests with QR-coded passes will be allowed to enter the premises. This restriction has been imposed to ensure smooth security arrangements for the function.
Regular darshan for the public will resume after 2:30 pm after the flag hoisting ceremony. Due to the large number of visitors expected, darshan timings may be extended till late night. Devotees traveling from other cities are advised to be prepared for long queues and adjusted temple routes.
There will be an extended darshan window of approximately 15-16 hours without any VIP movement on the next day of the event. This program is designed to accommodate travelers arriving after the ceremony.
–IANS
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