Mid-Day Specials | Kalaram Mandir: Exploring the 196-year-old historic spiritual haven in South Mumbai's Girgaon

Nestled in the bustling heart of Mumbai's Girgaon, the Kalaram Mandir stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural tapestry and deep-rooted spirituality. Located in the locality of Thakurdwar in South Mumbai, this revered temple is not only a place of worship but also a historical landmark that has witnessed the evolution of the city over the centuries.

Historical significance

The Kalaram Mandir dates back to the 19th century. It was established by the prosperous Prabhu community, who were instrumental in the temple's construction and upkeep. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ram, one of the most venerated deities in Hinduism, known for his virtues of righteousness and adherence to dharma. The name "Kala Ram" refers to the black stone idol of Lord Ram that is enshrined within the temple, which is a unique feature distinguishing it from other temples where Lord Ram is typically depicted in lighter shades.

The shrine, built with black stone. Pic credit: Shri Atmarambua's Kalaram Mandir Trust

The temple is managed by a Pathare Prabhu community trust, named Shri Atmarambua's Kalaram Mandir Trust, and was built in 1828 by Atmarambua Palsule Desai, whose samadhi is located in the temple sabhagruha. The shrine, built with black stone and wood, is called Kalaram because the idols are made of black stone.

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The iconic Kalaram temple at Girgaon has a long history. It will turn 196 years this September.

Sameer Ranjit, a trustee of the temple, said, "This year, we will complete 196 years. It was built by Atmarambua, in 1828."

"Atmaram Bua visited this area in 1828 and came into contact with Lakshman Harishchandraje Ajinkya, also known as 'Bhau' (who has also built Bhaucha Dhakka). Bhau later became a student of Atmaram Bua. Together, they decided to build a Ram temple here," he said.

The temple since then has been known as Atmarambua's Shri Ram Mandir or Kalaram Mandir.

Architectural marvel

The temple's architecture is a blend of traditional Hindu temple design and the colonial influences prevalent during its construction. The façade is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The sanctum sanctorum, or the 'garbhagriha,' houses the idol of Kala Ram, flanked by his consort Sita and his loyal brother Lakshman.

Temple complex. Pic credit: Ronak Mastakar

The temple complex also includes shrines dedicated to other deities such as Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiv, making it a holistic spiritual center. The inner sanctum is designed to evoke a sense of peace and devotion, with its serene ambiance enhanced by the fragrance of incense and the soft glow of traditional oil lamps.

A secret temple within a temple

The main temple has a secret temple above it, which opens only six to seven times a year. It is accessible on all Mondays during the Hindu pious month of Shravan, once during Mahashivratri, and once on Vaikuntha Chaturdashi.

Atmarambua Palsule Desai. Pic credit: Ronak Mastakar

While the Kalaram temple is quite popular, not many know about the secret temple located above it. According to Ranjit, this is where the founder, Atmarambua, used to sit and meditate.

Sameer Ranjit said, "The temple is located directly above the main temple, and we open it during Shravan, Mahashivratri, and Vaikuntha Chaturdashi."

Cultural and religious activities

Kalaram Mandir is a vibrant hub of cultural and religious activities throughout the year. The temple comes alive during major Hindu festivals such as Ram Navami, which marks the birth of Lord Ram, and Diwali, the festival of lights. During these times, the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights, and special prayers and rituals are conducted to mark the celebrations.

The temple also serves as a center for various community activities and social gatherings. Regular bhajans (devotional songs) and kirtans (musical narrations), drawing devotees from all over the city.

A spiritual oasis in the Urban Jungle

Despite being located in one of Mumbai's most crowded areas, Kalaram Mandir offers a tranquil retreat for devotees and visitors. "The temple grounds, though modest in size, are meticulously maintained, providing a clean and serene environment that stands in stark contrast to the chaos outside its walls," a Girgaon resident, who frequently visits the temple, said.

Atmarambua Palsule Desai's samadhi. Pic credit: Ronak Mastakar

Visitors often remark on the sense of peace and spirituality that envelops them as they step into the temple premises. "Whether it's the rhythmic chanting of mantras, the melodious ringing of temple bells, or the simple act of offering prayers, the Kala Ram Mandir provides a deeply enriching experience," he added.

The financial struggle

As an old and culturally significant heritage site, the temple's trust has been struggling with financial difficulties in maintaining the temple premises.

Shedding light on the financial struggles, Lalit Kothare, the managing trustee of the temple, said, "All the maintenance of the temple was funded through the offerings and donations we received. However, the response was not sufficient, leading to a shortage of funds. It became difficult to manage the maintenance and day-to-day operations."

"But now we have sufficient funds. We had a building exactly adjacent to the temple called 'Ram Bhuvan,' which was taken over by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) for Metro 3 construction. They paid us for that building, and we later invested the amount in banks. We use the interest from that investment for maintenance work. To this day, we haven't touched the principal amount," Kothare said.

Conclusion

The Kala Ram Mandir in Thakurdwar, Girgaon, is more than just a religious structure; it is a symbol of Mumbai's enduring spiritual heritage. It embodies the city's ability to preserve its traditions and values amidst rapid modernization. For devotees and visitors alike, the temple is a sanctuary of faith, a place where the divine presence of Lord Ram continues to inspire and guide. As one of the many jewels in Mumbai's cultural crown, Kala Ram Mandir remains a cherished landmark, echoing the timeless spirit of devotion and community.