Kalaram Temple

Rising from the heart of Panchavati, the Kalaram Temple is the grandest and most revered shrine in Nashik, its name — meaning "the temple of the black Rama" — taken from the striking dark basalt idol of Lord Rama enshrined within.

• Built in the late 18th century by Sardar Rangarao Odhekar, and by tradition completed around 1792, the temple is said to occupy the very ground of Panchavati where, in the Ramayana, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are believed to have spent part of their forest exile.
• The main sanctum holds the black-stone image of Rama flanked by Sita and Lakshmana, all carved in the same lustrous dark basalt that gives the shrine its character.
• Architecturally, the temple is a superb example of the Maratha-era stone craft.
• The complex is enclosed by a high stone wall and entered through four gateways, and the courtyard is ringed by an arcade traditionally counted at 84 pillars — a number the faithful associate with the 84 lakh cycles of rebirth.
• The main spire, built of black stone and once topped with a gilded finial, soars above the mandapa, while a facing pavilion houses images associated with the Rama cult, including a shrine to Hanuman.
• The stonework, brought and dressed over years of labour, gives the whole precinct a cool, dignified gravity that sets it apart from brighter painted temples.
• The Kalaram Temple sits within easy walking distance of the Ram Kund bathing ghat and the Panchavati cluster of shrines, and it comes vividly alive during Ram Navami and the Rath Yatra, when the deities are taken in procession through the old quarter.
• During the Simhastha Kumbh, held here roughly every twelve years, Panchavati becomes one of India's great peaceful gatherings of pilgrims and akharas.
• The temple is also remembered in modern history as the site of a landmark 1930 satyagraha for temple entry led by Dr B. R.
• Ambedkar, a chapter that adds social significance to its spiritual standing.
• For food, the lanes around Panchavati and Ram Kund are dotted with pure-vegetarian eateries serving Nashik's beloved misal, sabudana khichdi, poha and thali meals.
• Look for the many pure-veg (shuddh shakahari) bhojanalayas and misal houses around Panchavati and Ram Kund, and simply ask for the pure-veg or Jain option before ordering, as some misal houses are not fully pure-veg.
• Jain diners should confirm that the dish is prepared without onion, garlic and root vegetables such as potato.
• Stalls near Ram Kund offer sabudana vada, kothimbir vadi and hot chai for a quick, satisfying vegetarian bite.