Shri Kalaram Temple, Nashik

Introduction

Nashik is a city in the western state of Maharashtra tracing its history to the epic Ramayana as it was the abode of Lord Rama during his years of exile. It is located on the banks of the River Godavari. The holy town of Trimbakeshwar, which has one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is also located here. The city derives its name from ‘Nasika’ or nose when Rama is said to have ordered Lakshmana to cut off Shurpanaka’s nose. The Anjaneri Mountain, which was the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, is also said to be located here. Many of the ancient temples in India have been built to commemorate some event in history or to glorify a place which has been rendered holy by the Divine presence of the Lord. One such famous temple in the Panchavati area of Nashik is the Kalaram temple which derives its name from the statue of Lord Rama which is black in colour. The holy land of Panchavati has gained great importance and it derives its name from the five banyan trees (Vad). There are a number of important places in Panchavati associated with Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. The important events that took place here as mentioned in the Ramayana are cutting off Shurpanaka’s nose, vanquishing demons Khara, Dushana, Mareecha and many other demons, abduction of Sita and many such important events. The temple also gained popularity as Dr Ambedkar performed Satyagraha to allow the entry of Harijans into the temple.

History of the temple

The temple was funded by Sardar Rangarao Odhekar and built in the year 1792. It is said that he had a dream that there was a black statue of Lord Rama in the River Godavari, which was the place where Lord Rama had his holy bath, and hence was named Ramkund. He retrieved the statues and at the behest of Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa, who was the ruler at that time, began the construction of the temple. The best quality black stone was procured from Ramshej Hills near Nashik, which was tested in boiling milk, before construction. It took 12 years to build the temple at a cost of 23 lakh rupees and 2000 workers helped in its construction. Some legends state that when the funds from the royal treasury were stopped, Odhekar put all his own money including selling his wife’s diamond nose ring (Nathni). Also, during the construction, the idols were temporarily kept near the West gate and after completion, when they were to be moved inside the sanctum sanctorum, they were unable to budge the idols. Finally, a great saint Timyaabua Gosaavi of Shri Balaji Mandir came and touched the deities with his ‘Dhand’ or wooden stick and the deities could subsequently be moved smoothly. Even to this day, the wooden stick is kept wrapped in a silver cover beside the main idol.

Architecture and Layout

The main structure of the temple can be seen in the middle of a walled enclosure with 96 pillars. The entrance is on the East through an arched portal. The copper peak of the temple is plated in gold and the Kalash is made of 32 tons of gold. To enter the main mandir one has to climb 14 steps signifying Lord Rama’s 14 years of exile. Besides the idol of Lord Rama, there are sandy black idols of Sita and Lakshmana, all of them adorned with ornaments. The idol of Lord Rama is unique as he is seen without his traditional bow and arrow. His right hand is on his left chest and his left hand is towards his left feet in ‘Dharjani’ mudra. There are four entrance doors facing all the four directions of East, West, North and South. Near the temple is the Sita Gumpha (Cave), where Sita is said to have resided during her exile which encompasses the grove of banyan trees nearby. The portal of the temple is ornamented with arches and pillars.  There are temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Vithala and Lord Hanuman surrounding its complex. The idol of Lord Hanuman is at the main entrance of the temple and is black in colour. It has been calculated in geometric proportion in such a way that the head of Hanuman’s idol is exactly in line to the Lotus feet of Lord Rama’s idol. This type of architectural calculation can be seen in the Lord Chandramouleeshwara temple in Sringeri, in Karnataka. There is a very ancient tree (Audambara) inside the temple, which is said to have the footprint impressions of Lord Dattatreya which has been marked on a stone.

Daily Pooja Schedule

There is Kakad Arati in the morning with holy music followed by Mangal Arathi and Pooja. There is devotional music followed by Noon Arathi, Dhoop Arati and Shej Arati followed by Kirtan.

Festivals celebrated

Shri Ram Navratra and Shri Ram Navami are the main festivals celebrated in the month of Chaitra with Rath Yatra. Dussehra festival with procession of Lord Rama in a silver palanquin is celebrated grandly.

How to reach

By Air

The Ojhar (Ozar) airport at Nashik is at a distance of around 20 km from the temple. Mumbai is at a distance of 180 km from Nashik.

By Rail

Nashik Road railway station is at a distance of 10 km from the temple. Trains ply here from all the major cities of the country.

By Road

Nashik bus stand is at a distance of 3 km from the temple. Public and private buses, cars and taxis are available from all the neighbouring cities to the temple.

Accommodation

There are dharamshalas or guest houses and budget, A/c and non A/c hotels to suit the convenience of the pilgrims.

Conclusion

Thousands of devotees come to worship at this holy temple especially during the month of Shravan. The greatness of the devotee Odhekar who built the temple against great odds is that nowhere has he inscribed his name on the structure claiming credit, thus emphasising his greatness and humility. The purity and sanctity of the place which has been rendered holy by Gods, saints and seers, help the devotees to soak in the peaceful and sublime ambience urging them on their onward quest for self-realisation.