changeadminMarking a momentous occasion in India’s socio-cultural and spiritual landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ceremonially hoisted a sacred flag on the Shikhar (tallest structure) of the holy Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, today.
The Dhwajarohan, hoisting of a right‑angled triangular saffron flag, symbolises the completion of the temple’s construction, which began on 5 August 2020 through a consecration ceremony.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister stated that today the city of Ayodhya is witnessing yet another pinnacle of India’s cultural consciousness, “today, the entire India and the entire world is filled with the spirit of Lord Shri Ram”.
The Dhwaj (flag) measures around 10 feet high and 20 feet long, tailored for the Shikhar and a flagpole designed to rotate with the wind. The flag carries three main emblems: the sacred syllable “Om”, a radiant Sun, and the Kovidara tree.
The Sun symbol represents Lord Ram’s Suryavansh lineage, Om represents the eternal cosmic sound and Sanatan dharma, and the Kovidara tree motif connects to Ayodhya’s ancient past and tradition.
Additionally, a nature symbol like the Kovidara tree is meant to declare that protecting life and the environment is itself a form of dharma, not something separate from spirituality.
Prime Minister stressed in his address that “this Dharma Dhwaja is not merely a flag, but the flag of the renaissance of Indian civilisation”. He explained that its saffron colour, the glory of the Solar dynasty inscribed upon it, the sacred Om depicted, and the engraved Kovidar tree symbolise the greatness of Ram Rajya.
He noted that 25 November has brought yet another extraordinary moment of pride in our heritage, symbolised by the Kovidar tree inscribed upon the Dharma Dhwaja. He explained that the Kovidar tree stands as a reminder that when we sever ourselves from our roots, our glory gets buried in the pages of history.
The Prime Minister recalled the episode when Bharat reached Chitrakoot with his army and Lakshman, from afar, recognised Ayodhya’s forces. Mr Modi cited Valmiki’s description, stating that Lakshman told Ram the radiant, towering flag resembling a great tree was Ayodhya’s, marked with the auspicious symbol of the Kovidar.
He emphasised that today, as the Kovidar is once again consecrated in the courtyard of the Ram Mandir, it is not merely the return of a tree but the return of memory, the resurgence of identity, and the renewed proclamation of a proud civilisation.
The Kovidar reminds us that when we forget our identity, we lose ourselves, but when identity returns, the nation’s confidence returns as well.
Commentators and scholars involved in reviving the design say it draws on scriptural and poetic references to an ancient Ayodhya flag that disappeared from living memory after the epic period and is now being consciously restored.
The botanical identity of the Kovidara tree is also a point of contention; however, most experts generally agree that it refers to Bauhinia variegata, a deciduous leguminous tree in the family Fabaceae, with characteristic bilobed “camel hoof” leaves and orchid‑like flowers. In English, it is called mountain ebony.
The tree is typically a small to medium‑sized, erect, deciduous tree, often reaching around 10–15 m in height, with grey bark that develops longitudinal cracks and a lighter pinkish interior.
The Kovidara tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and adjoining parts of Southeast Asia and is well adapted to monsoonal, dry deciduous conditions.
As a leguminous species, it has ecological significance, improving soil fertility and slope stabilisation, and its nectar‑rich flowers support insects and birds. The flowers on the trees also have aesthetic value and are used for avenue planting.
In some parts of India, the Kovidara tree is also known as kachnar, and it is mentioned in ancient Hindu and Ayurvedic literature. It is valued both in traditions and as a valuable species for food, medicine, and ecology.
Ayurveda and folk traditions use the bark, buds, roots and other parts for conditions such as lymph node swellings, piles, some glandular disorders, and skin issues, including wound‑cleansing decoctions.
Wrapping Up
It is not the first time a tree has become part of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Parijat tree was planted during the consecration ceremony in August 2020.
In Hindu thought, trees are sacred beings that shelter and nourish countless life forms, so planting a tree during the consecration or placing a tree on a temple flag signals reverence for all creation, not just for humans or one community.
Adding the Kovidara tree alongside Om and the Sun effectively conveys a core ideal of harmony with nature, not a side issue. It visually links the deity, the land, and all living beings into one sacred fabric.
Add comment