Ayodhya, India: A grand religious flag hoisting ceremony (Dharma Dhwaja Arohan) will be held at the Durga Temple inside the Ram Janmabhoomi complex in Ayodhya on May 29, where more than 3,500 women will participate as invited guests. The event will be led by Sadhvi Ritambhara and has been dedicated to women empowerment and maternal strength (Matrushakti) by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Durga Temple located within the fortified boundary (Parikota) of the Ram Janmabhoomi complex. According to officials, the event will begin at 6 PM, while entry for invited guests will start from 5 PM. More than 4,000 chairs will be arranged at the venue to accommodate attendees.
Over 3,500 Women Invited to the Special Ceremony
The trust has exclusively invited women participants, including representatives and senior members from organizations such as:
- Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)
- Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)
- Durga Vahini
- Matrushakti organizations
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- Other women-led social and religious groups
Initially, around 2,000 women were expected to attend, but the guest list expanded to over 3,500 invitees during preparations.
Women officials and staff from security agencies deployed at the Ram Temple premises—including Police, PAC, SSF, CRPF, and LIU—have also been invited. Female employees associated with construction and management agencies such as L&T, TCE, UPRNN, EIL, and others will participate as well.
Ram Lalla Darshan for Guests After the Ceremony
Following the Dharma Dhwaja hoisting ceremony, all invited guests will receive an opportunity to visit and offer prayers to Ram Lalla and the Ram family idols inside the temple complex.
Authorities clarified that regular darshan for devotees will continue uninterrupted during the event.
Durga Temple Becomes Sixth Auxiliary Shrine in Ram Janmabhoomi Complex
The Durga Temple is the sixth auxiliary temple built within the Ram Janmabhoomi campus. Previously, flag hoisting ceremonies have already been completed at five other complementary shrines dedicated to:
- Goddess Annapurna
- Surya Dev (Sun God)
- Lord Hanuman
- Lord Ganesha
- Lord Shiva
The Durga Temple, located at the northwestern corner of the Parikota, is the final auxiliary temple in the boundary area to undergo the ceremonial flag installation.
Additionally, the Sheshavatar Temple, considered the seventh temple in the complex, is expected to have its own flag hoisting ceremony on June 23, although current preparations remain focused on the Durga Temple event.
Entry Pass Mandatory; Security Measures in Place
According to Gopal Rao, Ram Temple administrator and VHP official, invitation distribution is nearly complete. All guests will receive entry passes, which must be presented for admission from 5 PM onward.
Strict security protocols will be followed:
- Weapons and firearms will not be permitted
- Personal security guards or bodyguards will not be allowed
- Entry will only be granted with authorized passes
Prominent Women Leaders Expected to Attend
Several notable women leaders and dignitaries have been invited as special guests, including:
- Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, MP from Fatehpur and Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes
- Meenakshi Tai Pishwe, Central Minister of VHP and All India Coordinator of Matrushakti
- Pragya Mahala, National Coordinator of Durga Vahini
- Pinky Pawar, National Co-Coordinator
- Avani Rajput, Provincial Coordinator
- Seema Jadon, Provincial Coordinator of Matrushakti
- Sarita Yadav, among other senior women leaders
Significance of the Event
The upcoming Durga Temple flag hoisting ceremony in Ayodhya symbolizes not only a religious milestone within the Ram Janmabhoomi complex but also highlights the increasing participation of women in spiritual and cultural initiatives linked to the Ram Mandir movement.
With thousands of women expected to gather, the event is set to become one of the largest women-centric religious ceremonies organized at the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya.
