Kalaram Temple in Nashik: Historical Significance, Cultural Features & Connection to India’s Dalit Movement

Kalaram Temple in Nashik: Historical Significance, Cultural Features & Connection to India’s Dalit Movement 13 Jan 2024

Kalaram Temple in Nashik: Historical Significance, Cultural Features & Connection to India’s Dalit Movement

Context: This editorial is based on the news “The story of Nashik’s Kalaram temple, visited by Modi — and by Ambedkar many decades ago” which was published in Indian Express. Recently, the Prime Minister visited the Kalaram Temple of Nashik, Maharshtra. 

  • Shiv Sena Chief also announced that on the day of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, he would spend his day at the Kalaram temple.
Relevancy for Prelims: About Kalaram Temple, Distinctive Features, Dalit Movement, Ramayana Link,Sardar Rangarao Odheka, Panchavati’s Five Banyan Trees.

Relevance for Mains: Social Justice and Temple Entry Movements, Religious Pluralism and Constitutional Values, Role of Religious Institutions in Social Change, Intersection of Religion and Politics & Environmental Conservation. 

Kalaram Temple: A Glimpse into History and Spiritual Symbolism

  • Black-Colored Idols: The Kalaram temple derives its name from a black statue of the Lord — Kala Ram translates literally to “Black Ram”. The sanctum sanctorum has statues of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman, and a black idol of Hanuman at the main entrance.
  • Built by: The Temple was built in 1792 by Sardar Rangarao Odheka.
  • Location: It is situated on the banks of  Godavari in the Panchavati area of the city.
  • Features: Exploring the Significance of Kalaram Temple’s Architectural Elements
    • 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.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Historical Significance: Kalaram Temple’s Role in the Dalit Movement and its Ramayana Connection

  • India’s Dalit Movement Connection: The Kalaram temple is a site of a landmark agitation led by Babasaheb Ambedkar demanding temple entry rights for Dalits more than 90 years ago.
  • 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.
    • Panchavati: The name Panchavati comes from the existence of five banyan trees in the area. According to the epic, Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman set up a hut here as the presence of five banyan trees made this region auspicious.

Must Read

NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials

 

Archive Calendar

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Know about Physics Wallah

Physics Wallah is an Indian online education platform, that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students of classes 6 to 12 and those preparing for JEE and NEET exams. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample papers, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers, which makes us a one-stop solution for all resources. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.

We Stand Out because

We successfully provide students with intensive courses by India's qualified & experienced faculties. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.

Our Key Focus Areas

Physics Wallah’s main focus is to create accessible learning experiences for students all over India. With courses like Lakshya, Udaan, Arjuna & many others, we have been able to provide a ready solution for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formulae to giving e-books of eminent authors, PW aims to provide reliable solutions for student prep.

What Makes Us Different

Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others.

Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

# #
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">






    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.