KALA
RAM TEMPLE - ART & CULTURE
News:
The story of Nashik’s
Kala ram temple, visited by Modi — and by Ambedkar many decades ago
What's
in the news?
●
Recently, the Prime Minister of India
visited the Kala ram Mandir on the banks of the Godavari in the Panchavati area
of Nashik, Maharashtra.
Kala
ram temple:
●
The Kala ram 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.