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Recently, the Prime Minister visited the Kalaram Mandir of Nashik, Maharshtra.

Kalaram Mandir: The Spiritual Marvels of a Black Ram’s Abode

• The Kalaram Mandir derives its name from a black statue of the Lord — Kala Ram translates literally to “Black Ram”.
• Built: Kalaram Mandir was built in 1792 by Sardar Rangarao Odheka.
• Location: Kalaram Mandir is situated on the banks of  Godavari in the Panchavati area of the city.
• Features: 14 Steps, 84 Pillars, and Divine Footprints
  • The main temple has 14 steps, representing the 14 years of Ram’s exile.
  •  The 84 pillars in the temples represent the cycle of 84 lakh species that one has to complete to be born as a human.
  • A  very old tree, with an impression of Lord Dattatreya’s footprints on the stone beneath it.

Kalaram Mandir: Bridging Faith & Social Justice in India’s History

• India’s Dalit Movement Connection: As per an account of the Satyagraha for Temple Entry  in Dhananjay Keer’s book, Dr Ambedkar: Life and Mission.
  • Dr BR Ambedkar and social activist Pandurang Sadashiv Sane, led a satyagraha at the Kalaram temple on March 3, 1930, demanding entry for Dalits into the sacred space.
  • This movement aimed to challenge the oppressive caste norms prevalent during the time.
  • During the satyagraha, Ambedkar and his 15,000 Dalit followers peacefully picketed the temple.
• The Ramayana Link: The Region of Panchavati is where Shri Ram, along with Sita and Lakshman, spent the first few years of their 14-year exile, and the abduction of Mata Sita by demon King Ravana set off the Ramayana war.

News Source: The Indian Express