Shri Kalaram Sansthan Mandir,Darshan Information

Located at Nashik, Maharashtra, The Kalaram temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It was built around 1788 by Sardar Rangarao Odhekar. The temple derives its name from the statue of Lord Rama that is black in colour. The temple formed a pivotal role in the Dalit movement in India. B. R. Ambedkar led a protest outside the temple on 2 March 1930, in order to allow Dalits into the temple. The sanctum sanctorum also houses the statues of goddess Sita and Lakshman.

Location Maharashtra, Nashik, Mumbai

Legend

The temple was funded by Sardar Rangarao Odhekar, and was built around 1788. It is believed that Odhekar dreamt of a statue of Rama in black colour that was submerged in the Godavari River. Odhekar took the statue from river and built the temple. The legend has it that Lord Rama visited Panchvati during Treta Yuga and His footprints are believed to be there in the temple. Sita Gupha (Sacred Sanctorum) is believed to have been the residence of Sita Mata Herself.

Architecture

The temple has been constructed completely out of black stone and four entrance doors, one each facing East, West, South and North. The summit of the Kalaram Mandir is made up of 32 tons of gold. Surrounding the building of the Kalaram Mandir is walled enclosure, which comprises of 96 pillars. The enclosure is entered from eastern side, through an arched portal. The stone used in construction of the temple was brought from Ramshej. The temple is around 70 feet high and has a gold-plated peak. Situated near the sanctum sanctorum is Sita Gumpha.

Picture Courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org

Culture

Panchvati has a very strong religious tradition that is believed to have been borne out of its connection with Ramayana. Nashik is home to the grand Kumbha Mela. Even excluding festive times, Nashik is a confluence of religious and spiritual practices. The rivers here are considered sacred and rituals are performed for both the living and the dead. The city has kept up with the modern advancements with its traditional roots still intact. On Ashwin Dussera, a palki festival is celebrated like most popular temples in India.

Darsan Info

Temple timings:

Morning 06:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.

Evening 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Darsan Dresscode

No Specific Dress code

Famous Festival

March - Gudi Padwa

April - Shree Ram Navratra, Ramnavami

November - Dassehra

Temple Rituals

5:30 A.M. to 6:30 A.M - Kakad Aarti.

7:00 A.M. to 8:00 A.M.- Sanai Vadan & Bhupali

8:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. - Mangal Aarti of Lord Ram.

10:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. - Mahanyas Pooja of Lord Ram and Maha Aarti.

7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. - Shej Aarti of Lord Ram.

8:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. - Kirtan.

Special Rituals

The festival of Ramnavami, Dussehra and Chaitra Padwa (Hindu New Year Day) are celebrated with much fanfare at the temple. During this time thousands of devotees come to catch a glimpse of the Lord Ram.