Uddhav Thackeray to visit grand 'Maha Aarti' in Nashik on Ayodhya ceremony day

Amidst the ongoing anticipation for the Ayodhya Ram temple consecration ceremony on January 22, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray revealed his plans to visit the Kalaram temple in Nashik on the same day. Speaking to the media after paying homage to his late mother, Meena Thackeray, on her birth anniversary, the former chief minister expressed his commitment to perform a 'maha aarti' on the banks of the Godavari river.

While Thackeray clarified that he has not received an invitation for the Ayodhya event, he emphasized the significance of the Ram temple consecration as a matter of pride and self-respect. Thackeray asserted that he would visit Ayodhya whenever he deems fit.

"On January 22, we will visit the Kalaram temple at 6.30 pm, where historical protests led by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and social reformer Sane Guruji took place. Following that, at 7.30 pm, we will conduct a grand 'maha aarti' on the Godavari river bank," Thackeray announced.

The Kalaram temple, situated in Nashik's Panchavati area, is dedicated to Lord Ram, with a black stone idol symbolizing the deity. According to beliefs, Lord Ram, accompanied by Sita and Lakshman, stayed in Panchavati during their exile.

Highlighting the historical significance of the Kalaram temple, Thackeray mentioned Dr. Ambedkar's 1930 protest to demand Dalit entry into the temple.

The Ayodhya Ram temple consecration ceremony is scheduled for January 22, with Thackeray yet to receive an invitation. On January 23, commemorating the birth anniversary of his father and Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray, the party plans to organize a rally in Nashik.

Addressing the issue of not receiving an invitation, Thackeray reiterated, "I have not received any invitation yet, and I don't need one to visit Ayodhya as Ram Lalla belongs to everyone. Whenever I feel like it, I will go. Shiv Sena had contributed a lot to the Ram temple movement."

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