Kalaram Temple

Kalaram Mandir – The Temple of ‘Black Rama’

Kalaram Mandir is an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Rama located in the Panchavati district of Nashik, Maharashtra. It is one of the city's most important Hindu shrines. The temple was named after a black figure of Lord Rama. "Black Rama" is the direct translation of ‘Kalaram’. According to Indian mythology, it is believed that Lord Rama lived here for two and a half years with his wife and brother during his exile. The original Kalaram Mandir Nashik was built somewhere around the 7^th to 11^th century but was destroyed by Muslim invaders. It was again built around 1788 by Sardar Rangrao Odhekara and it took 12 years to complete the construction of the Kalaram Mandir. The wall of the Kalaram Temple is 17 feet high and houses black stone statues of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Laxmana. The main entrance of the temple has a black stone idol of Lord Hanuman. The 14 steps that lead to the main sanctum represent 14 years of Lord Rama’s exile. Kalaram Mandir is also known for Kalaram Mandir Satyagraha. Initiated by Dr B.R.Ambedkar, Kalaram Mandir Satyagraha demanded the entry of ‘untouchables’ into the temple.

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Important Information

Tickets

There is no entry fee for Kalaram Mandir.

Timings

The daily rituals in Kalaram Mandir start at 5:00 AM and the temple is open for devotees till 10:00 PM. The rituals start with ‘Kakadarti’ followed by ‘Aratis’ and ‘Bhajans’. Devotees come to the Kalaram Mandir in large numbers throughout the day, but their influx is more during the ‘Puja’, ‘Arati’ and ‘Abhishekam’.

Best Time to Visit

Ram Navami is celebrated in Kalaram Mandir with great devotion and grand celebrations in March-April. If you want to be a part of the celebrations, then you can book a trip with Kalaram packages during this time. You can customise Kalaram packages as per your requirements and priorities. The best season to visit Kalaram Mandir is between October and March. The temperature remains comfortable, and you can enjoy sightseeing.

Dress Code

There is no dress code for Kalaram Mandir but as it is an auspicious temple, it is best to dress modestly. It normally takes 1 to 2 hours to visit the Kalaram Temple, so it is recommended to carry a water bottle and wear comfortable clothing.

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Sightseeing Options

Nashik Trimbakeshwar Temple

Located at a stone’s throw distance from Kalaram Mandir and 28 km from Nashik City, this temple is near Brahamagiri mountain from which the Godavari River flows. While you are in Kalaram Mandir-Nashik, don’t forget to add this place to your itinerary. The old temple that stood in the same place was restored by the third Peshwa Balaji Bajirao. The temple’s presiding deity is Lord Shiva, and the temple is believed to have one of the 12 ‘Jyotirlingas’. The temple has three ‘lingas’ representing Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha. Only male devotees are allowed in the main area or 'garbhgriha' of the temple. They should be dressed in a ‘sovala’ or a silk dhoti while entering here. To participate in the ’Abhishekam’, one must book pandits who will help through the process.

Shirdi

Located in Rahata Taluka, Ahmednagar, Shirdi is also known as Sainagar. It is one of the most-visited pilgrimage places in India. This is the birthplace of spiritual guru Sai Baba and attracts several devotees throughout the year. The distance between the Kalaram Mandir and Shirdi is less than 100 km. Other than the Sai Baba mandir there are other tourist attractions like Hanuman Mandir, Shani Shingnapur, and Dwarkamai. Whether you are a believer or not, this trip will transpose you to a different spiritual plane and bestow peace upon your mind and soul.

Satpura

Satpura National Park is situated at a distance of 740 km from Kalaram Mandir, and it takes approximately 14 hours by road to cover this distance. Some Kalaram Mandir packages include Satpura National Park in their itinerary owing to its deep woods, tiny rivulets, ravines and marshes, hilly topography and lavish flora and fauna. You can spend some time in the lap of nature and disconnect from the chaotic urban life. A jeep safari is something that one should not miss while in Satpura. You can also opt for boat safari or elephant safari or simply explore the forest on foot accompanied by a trained naturalist.

Lonavala

A 5-hour drive from Kalaram Mandir will take you to one of the most beautiful hill stations in Central India. Located in western Maharashtra, it is often called the ‘Jewel of Sahyadri’ because of its picture-perfect locales and lush green trees. The crystal-clear waterfalls, serene lakes and caves add to the beauty of the hill station. The historical places, religious sites and natural wonders will keep you entertained throughout your trip. Tiger’s Leap, Bhaja Caves, Karla Caves, Tikona Fort, Imagica Labs etc. are some of the must-visit places in Lonavala.

Food and More

Thali

If you want to experience the real taste of Maharashtra while on a trip to Kalaram Mandir, then you must indulge in a scrumptious ‘Thali’. It is a wholesome vegetarian meal that includes rotis (flatbreads), two-three vegetable curries made with fresh seasonal vegetables, Dal (stewed lentils) and a sweet dish. A vegetarian curry that is usually a part of this ‘Thali’ is ‘Bharli vangi’ or stuffed eggplants cooked with roasted peanuts and spices. “Dal’ served in the ‘thali’ is called Amti’. A special mix of spices called ‘Goda Masala’ is used to temper the dal. Ingredients of ‘Thali’ vary from place to place.

Puran Poli

Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread that is common in areas near Kalaram Mandir. It is made using plain flour and is stuffed with jaggery, cardamom powder, nutmeg powder and dal (pigeon pea) powder. It is tossed in pure ghee or clarified butter to give it a distinct aroma. It has a high nutritional value and is enjoyed by the local people. It is prepared on all occasions, especially during festivals like ‘Ganesha Chaturthi’. It tastes best when accompanied by Basundi, Aamras, Kadhi, Amti, etc.

Bhel Puri

This is a favourite Indian snack that is popular everywhere in India. Its tangy, hot and sweet flavour will titillate your taste buds and you will keep craving for more. It is light on the stomach and readily available at any roadside corner. After paying respect at the Kalaram Mandir, you can head towards the market and try this snack. It is made using puffed rice, sev (a vermicelli-shaped snack made from gram flour). Finely chopped onions, boiled potatoes, tamarind chutney and spices are added to give better taste.

Vada Pav

It can be called the Indian version of a burger. A fried patty is sandwiched between two buttery square-shaped buns. Vada Pav is the famous street food of Maharashtra. Now it has made its place in all Indian households. It is easy to make and delicious. A perfect evening snack, it is topped up with onions, fried green chillies, spicy coriander and mint chutney. It is an unmissable part of your trip to Kalaram Mandir.

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What to buy on your trip to Kalaram Mandir?

Nashik is an important city in Maharashtra and is known as a pilgrimage, shopping hub and tourist destination. While you are on a trip to Kalaram Mandir don’t forget to fill your bags with raisins. Local people call it ‘manuka’. You will find a variety of raisins in the city. This place is also famous for grapes. Black, green, seedless- all types of grapes are available here. Don’t forget to pick up a few packets of ‘Chivda’ or beaten rice combined with roasted gram, dried coconut, fried curry leaves, peanuts etc. It has a long shelf life and is a light snack with very less fat. Guavas of Nashik have a unique taste and you can try them or take them home.