Into the abode of River Narmada: Maheshwar

The abode of Devi Ahilya, the Queen of the Holkar Dynasty, Maheshwar, is a town located on the Banks of River Narmada close to Khargone in Madhya Pradesh.

I enjoyed wandering through the narrow streets and alleyways during my recent visit to Maheshwar. The town's rich history and vibrant culture left a lasting impression on me.

The town deeply connects to Lord Shiva, also known as Maheshwar. It is often called "mini Varanasi" and is an excellent destination for those interested in ancient folklore. Luckily, Maheshwar is a peaceful and serene town, unlike the bustling city of Varanasi.

Maheshwar is renowned not only for its ghats, temples, and rich history but also for its exquisite sarees. 

Women across India have always been enchanted by the famous Maheshwar Sarees, which are on par with other popular sarees like Benarasi Silk, Mysore Silk, and Kota Sari. 

These sarees result from the creative genius of Ahilyabai Holkar, who brought weavers and artists from Surat in Gujarat to introduce this product to Maheshwar. 

Despite being made of cotton, Maheshwar Sarees have a luxurious look and feel, similar to silk. Each saree boasts a unique 'pallav' and five stripes - two white and three coloureds - while its field area is adorned with mesmerizing geometrical designs.

It may surprise you to learn that even though the city dates back to ancient India, the society in Maheshwar has long allowed women to lead lives of their own choosing. Love marriages were commonplace, and young women could choose their husbands.

Did you know that this ancient Indian town was the capital of the Mahishmati kingdom? Yes, the same domain features in Bahubali!

Maheshwar, a beautiful city just 90 kilometres from Indore, is only a two-hour drive. It's a go-to destination for weekend getaways. 

A truly unforgettable experience during your travels would be the awe-inspiring sunset view from Ahilya Fort alongside the picturesque River Narmada.

Here are some intriguing facts:

• The city of Maheshwar, which translates to "Shiva," holds more than just tales of the Lord of Death. It is home to several fascinating stories worth exploring during a visit. 
• The story of Ravana's downfall.
• The land of empowered women. 
• The clash between King Sahastrarjuna and Rishi Jamdagni.
• The city of warrior widow. 

           A trip to Maheshwar would only be complete with delving into its rich history.

• Maheshwar boasts over 100 temples, some of which are ancient despite having been recently constructed. The Sahastrarjuna Temple, for instance, is believed by locals to be over 5,000 years old. Other notable temples in the area include the Chabutra of Ahilyabai, the Chhatri of Vithoji, and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Additionally, a Chabutra serves as a memorial honouring a king or queen of the region.

• Maheshwar is a town that boasts a plethora of festivals and celebrations. Among these are Nag Panchami, Gudi Padava, Teez (which marks the beginning of the Hindu calendar's New Year), all Mondays of the Shravan month (with the DOLA of Kashivishwnath being celebrated on the last Monday, where bhang is served as prasad of Shiva), Mahashivratri, Samoti Amavas, and various other Indian festivals.

• Maheshwar and the Narmada River's breathtaking beauty have been showcased in several Bollywood and Tamil/Kollywood films.

Some recommended destinations to explore:

• Ahilya Fort.
• Sahastradhara.
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Best time to visit:

I suggest scheduling your visit to Maheshwar between February and March to maximize your trip by visiting Ujjain. Ujjain is a significant religious town for many Indians, as it is home to Lord Mahakal (Lord Shiva). Since Maheshwar is nearby, including both cities during your visit is best. Spring is the preferred season for pilgrims visiting Ujjain and Maheshwar, as summers can become extremely hot.

Before signing off, I recommend adding Maheshwar to your travel itinerary if you plan to visit Madhya Pradesh. This charming town boasts a rich history, captivating folklore, and impressive art, earning it the nickname "mini Varanasi." The best part? It's significantly less crowded with tourists, making it a perfect destination for a peaceful getaway. We're confident you'll be pleased with your decision to visit Maheshwar.

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