Ayodhya’s lost ancient flag returns after millennia as temple construction reaches completion

A historic moment unfolds as Ayodhya prepares to hoist its ancient sacred flag, revived through rare scriptural evidence, marking the completion of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple’s main structure.

Ayodhya is preparing for a historic and culturally significant moment as the ancient flag once associated with the city returns to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple after thousands of years. The rediscovered emblem, featuring the sacred symbols Om, the Sun, and the Kovidara tree, will be hoisted on November 25 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UP CM Yogi Adityanath and RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat. The event will also signify the completion of the temple’s primary construction phase, including the sanctum sanctorum and the major structural components.

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The revival of this forgotten flag began when Indologist Lalit Mishra came across its depiction in a painting from the pictorial Ramayana of Mewar. The finding led to deeper research that uncovered scriptural evidence in the Ayodhya Kand of the Valmiki Ramayana, confirming that the emblem once adorned Ayodhya. The original tradition, however, had disappeared after the Mahabharata era when Ayodhya’s King Brihadbal was killed, disrupting the continuity of knowledge.

The resurrected flag carries three sacred symbols. The outer ring features Om, regarded as the eternal sound in Hindu tradition. The Sun, positioned prominently, signifies Lord Ram’s connection to the Suryavansha lineage. At the center stands the Kovidara tree, a rare species described as a hybrid of the Mandar and Parijat trees. Botanists from Banaras Hindu University helped verify the identity of the tree, differentiating it from similar species mentioned in later texts.

A specially crafted version of this flag, built to withstand harsh weather, has been made in Ahmedabad and will be mounted atop the temple spire. With the hoisting, devotees will witness the culmination of a major milestone in the Ram Temple’s reconstruction. The main construction includes six subsidiary temples dedicated to Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman, Suryadev, Bhagwati, Annapurna, and Sheshavatar. While visitors already have access to the sanctum and first floor, more areas will open once the spire and flag installations conclude.

Preparations in Ayodhya are in full swing, with the city illuminated and arrangements underway for the grand ceremony.