Ayodhya (UP)- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday termed the hoisting of the saffron flag at the Ram temple in Ayodhya as“the beginning of a new era” and an affirmation that“the light of dharma is eternal”.

He was addressing a gathering after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, ceremonially unfurled the“Dharma Dhwaj”, an event that formally marked the completion of the monumental temple complex - six years after the Supreme Court's landmark 2019 verdict that allotted the entire 2.77-acre disputed site for the Ram Mandir.

Asserting that the flag represents the vision of a developed India, Adityanath said the country has undergone transformation over the last 11 years, and heritage and development now coexist in perfect harmony.

The chief minister said the grand temple of Lord Ram symbolises the“faith, honour and self-pride” of 140 crore Indians and expressed gratitude to all the“karmayogis”, including sadhus and seers, who contributed to its construction.

“The auspicious day is dedicated to the unbroken devotion of the revered seers, warriors and Ram bhakts, who devoted their lives to the movement and the long struggle that culminated in the temple's construction,” Adityanath said.

The CM said that over the past 500 years, generations and regimes changed but the faith of the people in Lord Ram“neither stopped nor bowed.”

“The unwavering belief persisted, and when the struggle came under the leadership of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a single resolve echoed across the movement: 'Ramlala hum aayenge, mandir wahin banayenge', 'laathi-goli khayenge, par mandir wahin banayenge',” he said.

The flag hoisting was an affirmation that“the light of dharma is eternal”, and that the values of Ram Rajya were timeless, the CM said, adding that it was a“profound cultural moment” for the nation and thanked Prime Minister Modi, Bhagwat and UP Governor Anandiben Patel for their presence at the event.

When Narendra Modi assumed leadership in 2014, it ignited a“sunrise of resolve and faith” in the hearts of millions, he said.

“Today, that resolve has been fulfilled in the form of this grand Ram temple,” Adityanath said.

He stressed that the flag atop the Ram temple symbolised truth, justice, dignity and national dharma.

“It also represents the vision of a developed India because there is no alternative to this resolve. In the last 11 years, we have all witnessed a transforming India. We now see an India where heritage and development coexist in perfect harmony, taking the nation to new heights,” Adityanath said.

Adityanath said there was a time when Ayodhya had fallen into neglect and disorder, but under Prime Minister Modi, it has transformed into a“global spiritual capital”.

He affirmed that the unfurling of the flag symbolises the eternal light of righteousness and the timeless ideals of Ramrajya.

Highlighting the nation's progress, he said that India's transformation over the 11 eleven years has been remarkable. Ensuring food for 80 crore people, free healthcare for 50 crore, homes for the needy, and equitable access to welfare schemes reflects the ideals of“Ramrajya” and has laid the foundation of a prosperous nation.

Recalling the centuries-long struggle for the temple, he noted,“Although dynasties and generations changed over time, unwavering faith remained constant.

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