Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Kalaram Mandir
Kalaram Temple:
- Location- Panchavati area of Nashik, Maharashtra
- On the banks of Godavari
- Timeperiod – Rashtrakuta Period (7th –11th CE)
- New Temple built by– Sardar Rangarao Odhekar in 1792
- Unique Feature – unusual statue of Lord Ram, which is black in colour.
- Architecture –
- Constructed of black stones
- An ancient tree with Dattatreya’s ( lord of Yoga) footprint impressions marked on a stone.
- Historical importance – Site of Nashik Satyagraha
Nashik Satyagraha:
- Year – 1930
- Also known as- Kalaram Mandir Satyagraha
- Led by – Ambedkar and Pandurang Sadashiv Sane, known as Sane Guruji
- Aim – To demand access for Dalits to Hindu temples.
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:
1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
2. It is the only circular temple built in India
3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is not correct. It is not the only circular temple built in India.
Statement 3 is not correct. It was not meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region. Rather it pays homage to 64 yoginis, mystical beings known for their exceptional powers.
