Nashik: The sacred flag, known as Dharma Dhwaja, will be hoisted atop the historic Kalaram Mandir on Wednesday at 4:44 pm by former President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The centrepiece of this ceremony is a massive 21-foot brass flagstaff called the Dharma Stambh.
The Dharma Dhwaja sthapana ceremony is scheduled for 4:44 pm. It will be preceded by various rituals that start from early morning. The Dhwaja Stambh has already been put in place, according to Shri Mahant Sudhirdas.
Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas in Ayodhya, along with National Commission for Women chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar and DICCI chairman Padmashri Milind Kamble, will also be present at the programme.
The Dharma Stambh will support a vibrant saffron flag measuring five feet by 11 feet. The flag is rich with symbolism, featuring the image of Lord Hanuman alongside the sacred inscriptions of Jai Shri Ram and Om. A central sun motif is prominently displayed to honour the Raghu Dynasty, representing the lineage of Lord Ram.
The Kalaram Mandir was built between 1782 and 1792 by Sardar Rangarao Odhekar on the site of an older wooden structure. The construction lasted for 12 years. Another historical significance of the temple is the March 2, 1930 landmark satyagraha led by Babasaheb Ambedkar, which demanded entry rights for Dalits into temples. This movement aimed to dismantle caste-based discrimination and secured the right to worship for marginalised communities.
The Shri Kalaram Sansthan has decided to raise the Dharma Dhwaja on the temple just as it has been raised on the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
