Nashik Pilgrimage Places

Shree Kalaram Mandir – A Sacred Legacy in Panchvati, Nashik

Located in the spiritual heart of Panchvati, Nashik, just 3 km from the Central Bus Stand, Shree Kalaram Mandir is one of the most revered temples dedicated to Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. Known for its striking black stone idols, the temple holds deep mythological and historical importance.

Historical Significance

Built in 1792 by Sardar Rangrao Odhekar under the guidance of Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa, the temple stands where Lord Ram is believed to have stayed during his 14-year exile, as narrated in the Ramayana. The construction took 12 years, involved 2000 workers, and used black basalt stone from Ramshej Hills, tested in boiling milk for purity.  The temple is enclosed by a high stone wall and features 96 intricately carved pillars, a separate Sabhamandap, and a gold-plated spire (Kalash) weighing 32 tons.

Spiritual Timings and Daily Rituals

The temple conducts daily poojas and devotional programs:

  • 5:30 am – Kakad Aarti

  • 8:00 am – Mangal Aarti

  • 10:30 am – Mahanyas Pooja & Maha Aarti

  • 3:00 pm – Bhajan Sessions

  • 7:00 pm – Shej Aarti

  • 8:00 pm – Kirtans and Devotional Songs

Major Celebrations

  • Ram Navami Festival (Chaitra – March/April): Grand Rath Yatra on the 11th day (Ekadashi)

  • Dussehra (Ashwin – October): Silver palanquin procession of Lord Ram

  • Shree Ram Navratri: Celebrated with fervor and devotion

Mythological Connection to Ramayana

According to the Ramayana, Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman resided in Panchvati, making this temple location sacred. This site witnessed key events like:

  • The cutting of Shurpanakha’s nose

  • Defeat of demons Khar, Dushan, and Marich

  • Abduction of Sita

  • Start of Lord Ram’s journey to Lanka

The black idols of Lord Ram (center), Sita (left), and Lakshman (right) are believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested), earning the temple the name Kalaram.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Saints like Eknath Maharaj, Samarth Ramdas Swami, Gajanan Maharaj, and social reformers including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar have deeply connected with this temple. In fact, it was a historic site during Dalit entry movements in pre-independence India.

Visit Shree Kalaram Mandir

Experience spiritual peace, witness vibrant traditions, and connect with centuries of Hindu heritage.

📍 Location: Panchvati, Nashik, Maharashtra
🌐 More Info: Visit Shree Kalaram Sansthan Nashik

Muktidham Temple Nashik – A Marble Marvel of Spiritual Significance

Muktidham Temple, located near Nashik Road Railway Station, is a renowned Hindu temple and popular tourist attraction in Nashik, Maharashtra. Built in 1971 using pristine Makrana marble from Rajasthan, the temple symbolizes peace and purity.

This unique temple complex features replicas of the 12 Jyotirlingas, crafted with exact dimensions and sanctified at their original shrines. It also houses beautifully carved idols of major Hindu deities like Krishna, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Ram, Sita, Hanuman, Durga, and Ganesha.

A highlight of Muktidham is its Krishna Temple, adorned with vivid murals depicting scenes from Krishna’s life and the Mahabharata, painted by artist Raghubir Mulgaonkar. The 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita are inscribed on its marble walls, offering visitors a rare spiritual and artistic experience.

Built by J.D. Chauhan-Bytco, a local philanthropist, Muktidham is managed by a private trust and includes a dharamshala that can accommodate over 200 pilgrims.

During the Kumbh Mela, thousands of devotees flock to Muktidham, making it a must-visit spiritual destination in Nashik.

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