Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a cleanliness drive at Kalaram temple in Nashik, Maharashtra, urging people to participate in 'Swachhata Abhiyan' at temples nationwide. During his visit, PM Modi released an audio message in preparation for the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya on January 22. He sought blessings, announcing an 11-day special ritual leading up to the grand event.
On Friday, PM Modi visited the revered Kalaram temple dedicated to Lord Ram. Before reaching the temple, situated along the Godavari river in Panchavati, he conducted a roadshow in Nashik. Welcomed warmly by temple trustees, advocate Aniket Nikam, and Dhananjay Pujari, the crowd joyfully chanted 'Jai Shri Ram.'
At the temple, the Prime Minister performed prayers, 'pujan,' and 'aarti' for Lord Ganesh and Lord Ram. Chief priest Mahant Sudhirdas Pujari led the rituals, with Modi participating in the temple's 'pradakshina' (circumambulation). Engaging in devotional activities, he joined 'bhajan' and 'kirtan,' playing the 'taal' (cymbals) with fellow devotees.
The temple trustees honored Modi with a shawl, citation, memento, silver idol of Lord Ram, and photographs of the temple deities – Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. Additionally, he received 'panjiri' (prasad) during his temple visit.
While there, the Prime Minister listened to the Marathi rendition of the Ramayana's 'Yudh Kanda,' portraying Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya. The Hindi version was presented through AI translation. Modi also paid his respects to the Swami Vivekananda statue near the temple.
Panchavati, known as the land of five banyan trees, holds significance in the Ramayana, as many crucial events from the epic are associated with this region. Legend has it that Lord Ram selected this area for his hut because of the auspicious presence of five banyan trees.
#WATCH | PM Modi took part in 'Swachhata Abhiyan' today at the Kalaram temple in Maharashtra's Nashik
— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2024
The PM had also appealed to everyone to carry out Swachhata activities at temples across the country. pic.twitter.com/80C9nXRCI1
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