The Kalaram temple, an old Hindu shrine is located in the city of Nasik in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The temple in the Panchavati area enshrines a black coloured idol of Lord Rama. Considered as one of the most significant religious abode of the metropolis, the temple derives its name from the statue of Lord Rama, black in colour. The name kalaram states Black Rama.

The garbhagriha of the temple also houses other idols of goddess Sita and Lakshman. The complete funding for the construction of the temple was done by Sardar Rangarao Odhekar. The shrine finally built in 1788 draws a stream of pilgrims from different sections of the society.

According to a legendry story, Odhekar once dreamt of a black statue of Lord Rama submerged in Godavari River. He took out the idol from the river and installed in the temple that was formerly known as Ramkund. The temple played a significant role during the Dalit movement in India, headed by Dr. Ambedkar. The revolutionary figure is said to have held a protest march in front of the temple for the entry of Dalits in the temple.

A temple housing a black coloured idol of Lord Hanuman welcomes the pilgrims at the main entrance of the temple. An old tree within the temple complex bears the footprints of Lord Dattatreya on a stone. Kapaleshwar Mahadev temple built in the vicinity of the temple is also visited and worshipped by the devotees.

This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com