Shri Poddareshwar Ram Mandir

Shri Poddareshwar Ram Mandir is a Grade-II heritage Hindu temple located on Central Avenue in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Built in 1923 by the Poddar family, it features distinct octagonal architecture constructed with white marble from Rajasthan and red stone from Koradi. The temple houses idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman, and a dedicated Shiva shrine. It serves as a significant cultural landmark and hosts an annual Ram Navami shobhayatra procession.

Visitors can expect to see an octagonal heritage structure featuring intricate marble and sandstone craftsmanship, including a silver door inscribed with Ram Leela. The sanctum houses deities of the Ram Parivar alongside a 60-foot tall Shiva shrine. The temple complex includes a dharamsala for travelers and is situated in the busy Santra Market area near the railway station. Devotees gather daily for darshan, and the site is known for its peaceful atmosphere amidst the urban setting.

Built in 1923 by Late Sri Jamnadhar Poddar, a businessman associated with Empress Mills, the temple completed its centenary in March 2023. It is recognized as a Grade-II heritage structure and has witnessed Nagpur's evolution from the capital of Central Provinces to a major city. The adjacent Ram Jhula bridge is named after the temple's prime deity. Idols were consecrated in February 1923 after being brought by special rail coach.

The temple is considered an inseparable part of Nagpur's cultural landscape, uniting people across religions and communities. The annual Ram Navami shobhayatra, started in 1966, is celebrated as a symbol of the city's spirit. Originally a family temple of the Poddars, it has served four generations of Nagpurians as a center of faith and philanthropy.