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{{Short description|Ram Mandir flag}}
{{Being merged|Ram Mandir Dhwajarohan|date=January 2026|discuss=Talk:Ram Mandir Dhwajarohan#Proposed merge of Dharma Dhwaj into Ram Mandir Dhwajarohan#Dharma Dhwaja|dir=to}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2025}}{{Infobox flag
| Name = Dharma Dhwaj
| Image = Shri Ram Janambhoomi Mandir Dhwaja.jpg
| Imagetext = Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisting the Dharma Dhwaj
| Use =
| Symbol =
| Proportion =
| Adoption =
| Design = A right‑angled triangular [[Saffron_(color)|saffron]] flag with the [[Surya|Sun]], [[Om]], and [[Kovidara|Kovidara tree]] symbols
| Designer =
}}
{{Hinduism|expanded=Related}}
Dharma Dhwaj (lit. flag of [[dharma]]) is the religious flag called ''[[dhvaja]]'' installed atop the [[Ram Mandir]] at [[Ayodhya]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]]. <ref name=":0">{{cite news |title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir Flag Hoisting Highlights |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-event-live-updates-flag-hoisting-ceremony/
|work=The Indian Express |date=25 November 2025 |access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite news |title=PM Modi hoists saffron Dharma Dhwaj atop Ayodhya's Ram Mandir |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/watch-pm-narendra-modi-hoists-saffron-dharma-dhwaj-atop-ayodhyas-ram-mandir/articleshow/
|work=The Times of India |date=25 November 2025 |access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref> The flag-hoisting marked the [[ritual]] completion of the [[temple]]’s construction during the formal Dhwajarohan ceremony held on 25 November 2025. <ref>{{cite news |title=PM Narendra Modi hoists sacred flag at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir, marking the completion of historic mandir |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/pm-modi-hoists-saffron-flag-at-ram-janmabhoomi-temple-marks-completion-of-historic-mandir/articleshow/125557609.cms
|work=The Economic Times |date=25 November 2025 |access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref> The Dharma Dhwaj bears sacred symbols — the radiant [[Sun]], the sacred syllable “[[Om]]”, and the [[Bauhinia variegata|Kovidara]] tree — signifying spiritual heritage, Lord [[Rama]]’s [[Solar dynasty|lineage]], and traditional [[Hindu]] symbolism.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Service |first1=Statesman News |title=Kovidara Tree: PM Modi hoists Dharma Dhwaj in Ayodhya with this plant, know its significance and medicinal value |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/lifestyle/kovidara-tree-pm-modi-hoists-dharma-dhwaj-in-ayodhya-with-this-plant-know-its-significance-and-medicinal-value-1503517127.html |work=The Statesman |date=25 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ayodhya Ram Temple flag hoisting ceremony: What do Sun, Om and Tree on 'Dharma Dhwaj' signify? |url=https://economictimes.com/news/new-updates/ayodhya-ram-temple-flag-hoisting-ceremony-what-do-sun-om-and-tree-on-dharma-dhwaj-signify-explained/articleshow/125557685.cms
|work=The Economic Times |date=25 November 2025 |access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite news |title=PM Narendra Modi hoists sacred 11-kg saffron flag at Ram Mandir during Dhwajarohan ceremony |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-modi-hoists-sacred-11-kg-saffron-flag-at-ram-mandir-during-dhwajarohan-ceremony-2825539-2025-11-25
|work=India Today |date=25 November 2025 |access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref> The saffron flag — measuring 22 feet × 11 feet — was hoisted on a 42-foot flagpole rising from the temple spire, as part of the renovation and finalization process of the temple complex. <ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">{{cite news |title=Historic moment in Ayodhya: PM Narendra Modi hoists Dharma Dhwaj atop Ram Mandir |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/historic-moment-in-ayodhya-pm-narendra-modi-hoists-dharma-dhwaj-at-shri-ram-janmabhoomi-mandir/articleshow/125558119.cms
|work=The Times of India |date=25 November 2025 |access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref>

== History ==
The idea of a ''dharma dhwaj'' is rooted in long‑standing [[Hindu temple]] [[Hinduism#Practices|practice]], where flags or banners are raised on [[temple]] spires to denote the active presence and protection of the presiding [[Hindu deities|deity]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Eck |first=Diana L. |title=India: A Sacred Geography |publisher=Harmony |year=2012 |isbn=978-0385531931 |pages=120–122}}</ref> In this context, the Dharma Dhwaj of Ayodhya's Ram Mandir is intended to signify that Lord Rama is enthroned at his traditional birthplace and that the construction of the temple has reached ritual completion.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

The flag was hoisted on 25 November 2025, coinciding with the observance of [[Vivaha Panchami]], a festival associated with the divine marriage of [[Rama]] and [[Sita]].<ref name="News18Flag">{{cite news |title='Sun, Om & Kovidara Tree; Automated Mast': All About Saffron Flag That Will Crown Ram Mandir |url=https://www.news18.com/india/sun-om-automated-mast-all-about-saffron-flag-that-will-crown-ram-mandir-today- |work=News18 |date=24 November 2025 |access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref> The ceremony, held within the Ram Mandir complex, was led by Indian prime minister [[Narendra Modi]] in the presence of religious leaders, political dignitaries and invited devotees.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

== Design and symbolism ==
{{Main article|Dhvaja}}
The Dharma Dhwaj is a [[Saffron (color)|saffron]]‑coloured, right‑angled triangular flag mounted on a mast fixed to the main ''shikhara'' of the [[Ram Mandir]].<ref name="News18Flag"/><ref name="ETExplained">{{cite news |title=Ayodhya Ram Temple flag hoisting ceremony: What do Sun, Om and Tree on 'Dharma Dhwaj' signify? |url=https://economictimes.com/news/new-updates/ayodhya-ram-temple-flag-hoisting-ceremony-what-do-sun-om-and-tree-on-dharma-dhwaj-signify-explained/articleshow/ |work=The Economic Times |date=25 November 2025 |access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref> Saffron (''bhagwa'') is traditionally associated with renunciation, sacrifice and commitment to ''dharma'', and is widely used in [[Hindu]] religious and monastic contexts.<ref>{{cite book |last=Flood |first=Gavin |title=An Introduction to Hinduism |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=1996 |isbn=978-0521438780 |page=14}}</ref>

The flag carries several prominent symbols:
* a stylised '''Sun''' (''[[Surya]]''), representing the [[Suryavamsha|Solar dynasty]] to which Lord Rama belongs, and symbolising illumination, vitality and the sustaining power of righteousness;<ref name="ETExplained"/>
* the sacred syllable '''[[Om]]''' (ॐ), denoting the primordial sound and the essence of [[Vedic]] and [[Upanishadic]] spiritual tradition;<ref name="ETExplained"/>
* a '''sacred tree''' motif, often identified with the [[Bauhinia variegata|Kovidara]] or a similar auspicious tree, symbolising shelter, continuity and the flourishing of ''dharma'' across generations.<ref name="ETExplained"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Service |first1=Statesman News |title=Kovidara Tree: PM Modi hoists Dharma Dhwaj in Ayodhya with this plant, know its significance and medicinal value |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/lifestyle/kovidara-tree-pm-modi-hoists-dharma-dhwaj-in-ayodhya-with-this-plant-know-its-significance-and-medicinal-value-1503517127.html |work=The Statesman |date=25 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

==Flagstaff and Engineering ==
The Dharma Dhwaj is mounted on a tall metallic mast anchored to the superstructure of the [[Ram Mandir]].<ref name="ETInfra">{{cite news |title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir flag: Made with parachute fabric, withstands 200 kmph winds |url=https://economictimes.com/news/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-flag-made-with-parachute-fabric-withstands-200-kmph-winds/articleshow/ |work=The Economic Times |date=25 November 2025 |access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref> At the height of 161 feet, the flag is 22 feet long and 11 feet wide. It is made of parachute-grade fabric and is designed to withstand harsh weather and strong wind up to 60 kmph.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mishra |first=Avaneesh |date=2025-11-25 |title=Why Ram Temple Dharma Dhwaja is a new cultural milestone for Ayodhya |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/why-ram-temple-dharma-dhwaja-is-a-new-cultural-milestone-for-ayodhya-2825780-2025-11-25 |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> It is designed by Gujarati artisans using high‑strength materials such as premium silk threads along with modern engineering methods to retain the traditional appearance of a temple ''dhwaja‑stambha''.<ref name="ETInfra"/> The mast in Ayodhya as a custom‑fabricated, heavy structure equipped with a mechanised system for raising and lowering the flag, blending ritual requirements with contemporary safety standards.<ref name="News18Flag"/><ref>{{cite news |title=42‑foot flagstaff installed at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/42-foot-flag-pole-installed-at-shri-ram-janmabhoomi-temple-in-ayodhya-ahead-of-akshay-tritiya/articleshow/ |work=The Times of India |date=29 April 2025 |access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref>.

The main shikhara of the temple measures 161 feet in height, above which a 42-foot custom-fabricated flagpole was installed to mount the Dharma Dhwaj.<ref>{{cite news |title=42-foot flag pole installed at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya ahead of Akshay Tritiya |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/42-foot-flag-pole-installed-at-shri-ram-janmabhoomi-temple-in-ayodhya-ahead-of-akshay-tritiya/articleshow/120720240.cms |work=The Times of India |date=29 April 2025 |access-date=27 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ayodhya set for historic Dhwajarohan as Ram Mandir construction reaches completion |url=https://www.indiatodayne.in/national/story/ayodhya-set-for-historic-dhwajarohan-as-ram-mandir-construction-reaches-completion-1308331-2025-11-25 |website=India Today NE |date=25 November 2025 |access-date=27 November 2025}}</ref> The [[Flagpole|mast]] incorporates a motorised raising mechanism and a 360-degree rotating assembly to allow the flag to align with shifting winds and prevent tangling.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ahmedabad-based company making flag for Ayodhya Ram Temple |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/ahmedabadbased-company-making-flag-for-ayodhya-ram-temple-101762449455542.html |work=Hindustan Times |date=2025 |access-date=27 November 2025}}</ref> The final flag installation as a fusion of traditional temple dhwaja-stambha design with contemporary structural engineering.<ref name="ETInfra" />

==Religious Significance==
The Dhwajarohan (flag-hoisting) ceremony at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir took place on 25 November 2025, when a saffron banner called Dharma Dhwaj was hoisted atop the temple’s spire. <ref>{{cite news |title='PM Narendra Modi hoists saffron flag atop Ram Mandir in Ayodhya' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-modi-hoists-sacred-11-kg-saffron-flag-at-ram-mandir-during-dhwajarohan-ceremony-2825539-2025-11-25 |work=India Today |date=25 November 2025 |access-date=27 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Watch: PM Narendra Modi hoists saffron Dharma Dhwaj atop Ayodhya's Ram Mandir |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/watch-pm-narendra-modi-hoists-saffron-dharma-dhwaj-atop-ayodhyas-ram-mandir/articleshow/125558213.cms |work=The Times of India |date=25 November 2025 |access-date=27 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir flag: Made with parachute fabric, withstands 200 kmph winds and more interesting facts |url=https://economictimes.com/news/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-flag-made-with-parachute-fabric-withstands-200-kmph-winds-and-more-interesting-facts/125534510.cms |work=The Economic Times |date=25 November 2025 |access-date=27 November 2025}}</ref> The sacred symbols of the Sun, Om, and the “Kovidara” tree (or Kovidar tree) draw on religious/ancestral symbolism as per the Temple Trust.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite news |title='Sun, Om & tree': What the symbols on Ayodhya Ram Temple's 'Dharma Dhwaj' signify |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sun-om-tree-what-the-symbols-on-ayodhya-ram-temples-dharma-dhwaj-signify-explained/articleshow/125555728.cms |work=The Times of India |date=26 November 2025 |access-date=27 November 2025}}</ref>

The flag-hoisting followed several days of religious rituals ([[yajna]], [[Navagraha]] worship, chanting of Vedic mantras and recitation of scriptures) conducted by priests from Ayodhya and [[Varanasi|Kashi]] under the direction of the temple trust, ahead of the formal ceremony. <ref>{{cite news |title=At Ram Mandir, vedic rituals begin for flag hoisting ceremony |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/at-ram-mandir-vedic-rituals-begin-for-flag-hoisting-ceremony-101763753050459.html |work=Hindustan Times |date=22 November 2025 |access-date=27 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Vedic ritual for Ram temple flag hoisting ceremony to commence on Friday |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Nov/21/vedic-ritual-for-ram-temple-flag-hoisting-ceremony-to-commence-on-friday-2129575.html |work=The New Indian Express |date=21 November 2025 |access-date=27 November 2025}}</ref> The Dhwajarohan is marked as the “formal completion” of the temple complex. It signifies as the opening of all entrances and readiness of the temple for full ritual functioning. <ref>{{cite news |title=Why Ram Temple Dharma Dhwaja is a new cultural milestone for Ayodhya |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/why-ram-temple-dharma-dhwaja-is-a-new-cultural-milestone-for-ayodhya-2825780-2025-11-25 |work=India Today |date=25 November 2025 |access-date=27 November 2025}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Ram Mandir]]
* [[Ram Janmabhoomi]]
* [[Ram Mandir Dhwajarohan]]
* [[Ayodhya]]
* [[Vivaha Panchami]]
* [[Dhvaja]]

== References ==

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Religious flags]]
[[Category:Flags of India]]
[[Category:November 2025 in India]]
[[Category:Ayodhya]]
[[Category:Hindu symbols]]
[[Category:Hindu iconography]]
[[Category:Hindu temple architecture]]
[[Category:Hinduism]]

Ram Mandir Dharma Dhwaj - Revision history

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