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In the sacred town of Panchavati in Nashik is Kalaram Temple, which is a popular pilgrimage site. It is one of the most unique temples in the region, surrounded by lush greenery and has a rich culture and history associated with it. Being a popular spiritual sanctuary in Nashik, a visit to the Kalaram Temple is a must if you want to immerse yourself in the intricate architectural marvel of the area. Every year, the temple attracts pilgrims and devotees throughout the year. On your next trip to Nashik, if you are planning some time in the future, a visit to the Kalaram Temple is a must.
Quick Details
Kalaram Temple Address: Nirman upavan C-3, Sita Gufa Rd, opposite Kalaram Temple East Nashik, Maharashtra
Kalaram Temple Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearest Airport: Nashik Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Nashik Road Railway Station
About Kalaram Temple
Photo: Prashant Kharote / Wikimedia Commons
The Kalaram Temple stands as one of Nashik’s most iconic landmarks, built in 1792 by Sardar Rangrao Odhekar. It is said that the statue of Lord Rama within the temple was discovered in the Godavari River. Beyond the historical and religious significance of the temple, it also stands out with its unique architecture. There is a gold-plated spire that reaches a height of 70 feet inside the temple, adding to the beauty of the place.
The temple complex also houses idols of Lord Lakshman, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Sita, making it a significant place for Ram devotees. As you explore the temple’s architecture, you will witness the beauty of the traditional Maratha craftsmanship.
How To Reach
Photo: World8115 / Wikimedia Commons
Since Kalaram Temple is located in Nashik, reaching this religious destination is not a hassle. You can reach via rail, air and roads too.
By Air: Nashik Airport is one of the closest airports to the Kalaram temple. Though the airport has limited connectivity, regular flights operate from Mumbai and Pune.
By Rail: Nashik Road Railway Station is your nearest railhead from the temple. Once you reach the station, there are taxis and auto rickshaws available to get you to the temple.
By Road: Nashik is connected to major cities by a network of well-maintained highways. So, you can choose to either drive to the temple yourself or if you want convenience and co/mfort, you can also hire a taxi to get to the temple.
Things To Do At Kalaram Temple
As you reach the Temple, having a well-planned itinerary ensures that you don’t miss out on any of the significant spots inside the temple.
1. Take Part In The Daily Aarti Ceremony
Photo: Akshatha Inamdar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The aarti at Kalaram Temple is a deeply spiritual event where devotees gather to offer prayers to Lord Rama, with the rhythmic chanting of mantras and constant hymns. Also, getting to witness the intricately adorned idol of Lord Rama inside the temple is truly a mesmerising experience. Also, the temple can get pretty crowded easily, so ensure that you arrive early to the temple to secure a good spot to witness the aarti ceremony.
2. Explore The Temple Architecture
Photo: Akshatha Inamdar / Wikimedia Commons
Being one of the most historical temples in Nashik, one of the main attractions of the Kalaram Temple Nashik is the unique temple architecture. It has predominant influences on the Marathi architecture. Spend time exploring the intricate carvings, detailed sculptures, and grand pillars that make up the temple’s design. The black stone structure, with its towering spires and ornate doorways, truly reflects the stunning craftsmanship of the artists.
3. Visit Sita Mata Cave
Photo: Nikhil More / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Although not directly inside the temple, Sita mata cave is a significant part of your pilgrimage to the Kalaram Temple. The spot is associated with the Ramayana. It is believed that Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, lived in this cave during their exile. You can explore the small cave, which houses idols of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman. The cave’s narrow passages add to the spiritual charm, making it a popular spot for pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike. There are very narrow passages inside the cave, which can be hard to navigate through, so be prepared for that.
Places To Visit Around Kalaram Temple
After you finish your devotion at the Kalaram Temple, the surrounding tourist attractions are a must-visit as well.
1. Sundarnarayan Temple
Photo: Samruddham / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Sundarnarayan Temple is another popular religious destination to add to your travel plans when in Nashik. The temple was built in 1756 by Sardar Odhekar. One of the main highlights of this temple is immersing yourself in the intricate stone carvings, especially at the entrance of the temple. This temple holds historical importance and is an excellent spot for devotees of Lord Vishnu.
Distance From Kalaram Temple: 1 Km
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
2. Pandavleni Caves
Photo: Rashmi.parab / Wikimedia Commons
Since Nashik and the area around Panchavati are associated with the tales of Ramayana, a visit to the Pandavleni Caves is a must too. These are a group of ancient rock-cut caves dating back to the 1st century BCE. These 24 caves were used by Buddhist monks as viharas and chaityas. Cave 18 is the most impressive with its large, pillared prayer hall and detailed carvings of Buddha. Beyond the Buddhist sculptures and inscriptions, the caves also have sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras.
Distance From Temple: 11.6 Km
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
3. Kapaleeshwar Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Dating back to the 18th century, Kapaleshwar Temple is another popular Hindu temple that you have to visit the next time you are in Nashik. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in the region. One of the most unique features of this temple is that it lacks a Nandi at the entrance of the temple. Located near the Godavari River, it’s a great addition to your spiritual exploration of Nashik.
Distance From Temple: 260 Metres
Timings: 6 AM – 11 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Zak Chapman / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Being one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Nashik, Kalaram Temple has numerous hotels and accommodations in close vicinity. Some of the most popular ones include Hotel Royale Heritage, FabExpress Rama Palace, Hotel Abhishek and Hotel Panchavati Yatri.
Where To Eat
Photo: Abhishek Rao / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
To immerse yourself in some amazing traditional vegetarian cuisine near Kalaram Temple, there are numerous restaurants and local food joints that you can check-in. A few of the highly rated destinations are Narottam Bhavan, Panchavati Gaurav Restaurant, Hotel Simla Inn, Hotel Kinara and Nashik Coffee House Restaurant
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Tushar.kute / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
- The temple can get crowded during festivals and weekends. Arriving early ensures you avoid long lines.
- You can take Kalaram Temple photos from the outside but not inside the temple.
- Plan your visit during Ram Navami or Dussehra for a more vibrant experience.
Kalaram Temple in Nashik is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Maharashtra, dedicated to Lord Rama. If you are a devotee of the deity and want to immerse yourself in the devotional experience of worshipping him, a visit to this temple is a must. You can plan your trip to the temple with TripXL for the ultimate religious tour across Nashik.
Cover Photo: Pradeep717 / Wikimedia Commons
