'Swachhata Abhiyan': PM Modi Mops Kalaram Temple Premises In Nashik | Watch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi actively participated in the 'Swachhata Abhiyan' on Friday at the Kalaram temple in Nashik, Maharashtra, just before inaugurating India's longest sea bridge, the 21.8-kilometer Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link.

During his visit, PM Modi offered prayers at the Kalaram temple and engaged with the verses of 'Bhavartha Ramayana,' written in Marathi by Sant Eknath. The temple, reconstructed in 1700 after destruction by Mughals, is named 'Kalaram' as a representation of Lord Ram's swift defeat of 14,000 demons in just 1.5 minutes, with 'kaal' (death) being his manifestation for the demons.

Earlier in the day, on Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary, PM Modi paid floral tribute to him in Nashik.

Later, at the Rashtriya Yuva Mahotsav in Nashik's Tapovan Ground, the Prime Minister appealed to the public to undertake cleanliness drives in temples across the nation ahead of the consecration of the Lord Ram idol in Ayodhya on January 22.

"I urge that on the occasion of pran pratishtha in the Ram Temple, a cleanliness campaign is carried out in all temples and shrines of the country," PM Modi emphasized.

Highlighting the youth as a driving force, PM Modi referred to the present era as 'Amrit Kaal,' a golden age for the country's youth. He praised India's position among the world's top 5 economies and the top 3 startup systems, crediting the power of the youth for the country's achievements in innovations and record patent filings.

"Today is a day of youth power of India. This day is dedicated to the great man who filled India with new energy in the days of slavery... I am glad to be here on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda... My greetings on Rashtriya Yuva Divas. Today is the birth anniversary of Rajmata Jija Bai, who is the symbol of 'Nari Shakti' in India," added the Prime Minister.