When the first rays of dawn sweep across the ancient city of Ayodhya, they illuminate more than sandstone pillars and carved spires. They reveal a story that has shaped India’s cultural soul for centuries. The Ram Temple, now standing in full grandeur, is not merely an architectural marvel but the culmination of faith and resilience.

For millions worldwide, Ayodhya has always been considered the birthplace of Lord Ram. The idea of a temple marking this sacred birthplace has been woven into India’s cultural identity, making the site a spiritual compass for devotees globally.

On November 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the sacred Hindu ritual of ‘Dhwaja Arohan’ by hoisting a 22-foot religious flag. In scriptural tradition, the raising of the dhwaja symbolises the triumphant victory of dharma over adharma and serves as an open invitation to devotees around the world to participate in this celebration. Behind this milestone lies a story of profound faith, the triumph of civilisational memory, as well as the restoration of historical justice through the rule of law.

The journey of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya represents the culmination of a long legal and cultural saga, resolved through India's democratic institutions. On November 9, 2019, in a unanimous and historic verdict, the Supreme Court of India awarded the entire 2.77-acre disputed land for the construction of the Ram Mandir, recognising the site's significance to believers across the world. This outcome was hailed as a triumph of justice, reconciliation, and constitutional principles, paving the way for the temple's construction under the oversight of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which received approval from the Government of India on February 5, 2020.

The physical manifestation of this resolution commenced on August 5, 2020, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the Bhoomi Pujan and laid the foundation stone at the site.

The grand Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir is built in the traditional Nagara architectural style. It is supported by 392 pillars and features 44 entrance gates. The pillars and walls are adorned with exquisite carvings of Hindu deities, gods, and goddesses. On the ground floor, in the Garbha Griha, the divine childhood idol of Bhagwan Shri Ram – Shri Ramlalla – has been consecrated.

The idol of Ram Lalla is placed in the main sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor, accessible via 32 steps through the Singh Dwar on the eastern entrance. The complex includes five mandaps—Nritya, Rang, Sabha, Prathana, and Kirtan—for devotional activities, along with restorations like the ancient Shiv Mandir at Kuber Tila and the historic Sita Koop well.

Today, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra stands as a testament to India's civilisational continuity and the power of faith upheld by law. This magnificent edifice not only revives Ayodhya's spiritual heritage but also drives holistic development, including enhanced infrastructure like the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport and redeveloped access roads, fostering pilgrimage and economic growth.

The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya stands as a testament to the unshakable faith of artisans who laboured day and night in Ayodhya’s scorching summers, further embodying the collective national emotions towards the Ram Mandir.

Previously as well, the spirit of celebrations associated with the construction of the Ram Mandir resonated far beyond India. For instance, Trinidad & Tobago is advancing plans to construct a grand Ram Mandir in its capital, Port of Spain. This comes after the unveiling of a replica of Ayodhya’s Ram Lalla idol in Port of Spain in May this year. Such events exhibit a crucial blend of spiritual endeavour and cultural spirit, while opening doors for religious tourism and pilgrimage.

The temple has been designed by Shri Chandrakant Sompura of Ahmedabad, with the globally renowned company Larsen and Toubro being responsible for the construction work, and Tata Consulting Engineers appointed as advisory consultants.

The project is a fine example of combining ancient craftsmanship with cutting-edge science. Engineers and intellectuals from premier institutes of the country, including IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, and IIT Guwahati, are involved in the construction of the stone temple with a foundation to last a thousand years.

The temple also boasts of modern amenities to cater to the needs of its devotees coming from all age groups, with a dedicated Pilgrimage Facility Centre, ramps for elderly devotees, and emergency medical aid, among others. Despite its colossal scale, the temple complex incorporates solar energy panels, aligning with the city’s larger vision of sustainable pilgrimage.

As the saffron flag rose over the Ram Mandir on November 25, marking the full completion of this monumental complex, the journey from a contested dream to a living legacy reached its peak. This Dhwaj Arohan celebrated not only the temple’s architecture but also the enduring spirit of dharma, welcoming devotees as Ayodhya re-emerges as a centre of harmony, heritage, and growth. The Ram Mandir is more than just a structure set in stone- it symbolises resilience, devotion, and a bridge between ancient tradition and a connected global future.