Kalaram Temple is an old Hindu shrine dedicated to Rama. It is probably the most important Hindu shrine in the city.The temple derives its name from the statue of Lord Rama that is black.The sanctum sanctorum also houses the statues of goddess Sita and god Lakshmana. Thousands of devotees visit it every day.
Shrine’s History
The temple derives its name from the statue of Lord Rama that is black. The literal translation of kalaram means black Rama. The sanctum sanctorum also houses the statues of goddess Sita and god Lakshmana. Thousands of devotees visit it every day. The temple was funded by Sardar Rangarao Odhekar and was built around 1788. It was said that Odhekar had a dream that the statue of Rama in black colour was in the Godavari River. Odhekar took the statue from a river and built the temple. 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 main entrance has a Lord Hanuman deity which is black. There is also a very old tree that has Lord Dattatreya’s footprint impressions marked on a stone. Pilgrims visit the Kapaleshwar Mahadev temple near the Kalaram Temple.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The entire temple has been built of beautiful black stone and the temple is almost 70 feet high. This temple stands artistically in the midst of an acquisitive walled enclosure incorporating almost 96 pillars. The entrance to this temple is on the east side and that too via an arched vaulted portal. The Kalash inside the temple is made of pure gold which weighs around 32 tonnes. In 1788, it took around 23 lakhs INR along with 2000 workers to build this incredibly artistic temple. The time duration to complete this temple was about 12 years. The black stones used to build the temple were brought from areas of Ramshej which were extracted from hills of Ramshej. Temple has got a copper peak that is totally gold plated. The peak looks ravishing all day long and night as well.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
The nearest bus stop is Nashik.There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Nashik.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Nasik Road (NK), Devlali (DVL).
By Air
The nearest airport is Gandhinagar Airport.Nashik is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular flights.
Shrine Timings
5:30 AM to 10 PM
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
In the month of Chaitra Shree Ram Navratra and Ramnavami is the Manin Celebrations . The Grand Procession through the city on Ekadashi , the 11th day of Chaitra is the main Important Events of the year. This Ratha Yatra is the main Celebration Ramanavami Festival. Ont eh !0th Day of Ashwin Dasara Procession of Lord Rama in a silver palanquin is also Celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm.
Extra Information About this Shrine
People who make a visit to the Kalaram temple also pay a tribute to a nearby cave. According to legends, this is an ancient cave where goddess Sita is supposed to have resided all through her exile.This cave encompasses a grove of big Banyan trees close by.