Ram Temple at Ramtek in Nagpur – Ramdham or Ram Mandir in Ramtek in Nagpur

Ram Temple at Ramtek in Nagpur is also known as Gad Mandir and is dedicated to Bhgavan Sri Ram. It is widely believed that Ramdham is located at the spot where Bhagvan Sri Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman rested at Ramtek during their exile period in Ramayana. Ram Mandir at Ramtek is around 42 km from Nagpur. It takes around 2 hours to reach the temple from Nagpur city.

‘Padukas’ of Bhagvan Sri Ram is worshiped in the temple. One can find murtis of Mata Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman in the shrine. Hundreds of steps take one to the Ram Mandir, which has strong population of resident monkeys.

This ancient temple is noted for its architecture and beautiful spiral structure. The present temple was built by the Raghuji Bhonsale, after his victory over fort of Deogarh in Chindwara.

Old names of the shrine are Sinduragiri (Vermilion mount) and Tapogiri (the hill of penance) and both these occur in an inscription of the Lakshman Temple of 14th Century.

The temple is located atop a hill having an altitude of 492 feet, which is approached through a number of steps. Atop the hill there are a number of shrines enclosed within walls. To the South and West sides the hill is protected by natural scarp, and on the North it has a double line defense. The outer wall is ascribed to the earlier Gavali kings. The temple citadel is at the western or highest extremity of the enclosure. From the west end of the Ambala tank, a flight of steps leads up the hill. All pilgrims, who go to worship at the temple, ascend the hill from the Ambala flight of steps.

There are numerous legends associated with the place. A popular belief is that Ashram of Sage Agastya was located near Ramtek. Demons used to disrupt the yajna (sacrifice) conducted by the sages in the ashram. When Sri Ram arrived here, he saw the plight of the saints and He took the vow to save mankind from the demons. ‘Tek’ means vow and the place where Sri Ram took vow came to be known as Ramtek.

It is believed that people who take vow at Ramtek will be blessed by the gods for its fulfillment.

Kalidas memorial dedicated to Great poet Kalidasa is located nearby. It is believed that Kalidas wrote Meghadootam at Ramtek.

Nearby is located the Ramsagar Lake. A cluster of shrines dedicated to Gods in Hindu pantheon can be found near Ambala Tank which is on the way to Ramtek Ram Mandir.

The shrine is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Ram Navami is the most important festival observed here.