Recently, the Prime Minister of India visited the Kalaram Mandir on the banks of the Godavari in the Panchavati area of Nashik, Maharashtra.
About Kalaram temple:
The Kalaram temple derives its name from a black statue of the Lord — Kala Ram translates literally to “Black Ram”.
It was built in 1792 with the efforts of Sardar Rangarao Odhekar.
It is located on the banks of Godavari in the Panchavati area of the city.
Features
The sanctum sanctorum has statues of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman, and a black idol of Hanuman at the main entrance.
The main temple has 14 steps, which represent the 14 years of Ram’s exile. It has 84 pillars, which represents the cycle of 84 lakh species that one has to complete in order to be born as a human.
Historical Significance
This temple is the site of a landmark agitation led by Babasaheb Ambedkar demanding temple entry rights for Dalits more than 90 years ago.
In 1930, B R Ambedkar and the Marathi teacher and social activist Pandurang Sadashiv Sane, known as Sane Guruji, led an agitation to demand access for Dalits to Hindu temples.
This movement aimed to challenge the oppressive caste norms prevalent during the time.
During the satyagraha, Ambedkar, along with his 15,000 Dalit followers, peacefully picketed the temple.
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