Dharma Dhwaja to be hoisted atop historic Kalaram Mandir on Wednesday

Nashik: Dharma Dhwaja-the sacred flag-will be hoisted on Wednesday atop the historic Kalaram Mandir 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 known as the Dharma Stambh. The Dharma Dhwaja sthapana ceremony is scheduled for 4:44 pm. It will be preceded by various rituals that will start from the early morning. The Dhwaja Stambh has already been put in place," Shri Mahant Sudhirdas said.Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, the treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas in Ayodhya, alongside 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 - Dharma Dhwaja - measuring five feet by 11 feet.The flag itself 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 in 1782-1792 by Sardar Rangarao Odhekar on the site of an older wooden structure. The construction lasted for 12 years.The other historical importance of the temple is the March 2, 1930 landmark satyagraha by Babasaheb Ambedkar that was organised for demanding entry rights for Dalits in the temples. The 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 Dhawaja on the temple just the way it has been raised on the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.