Located two hours drive from Indore in central India, Maheshwar, bordering the north bank of the Narmada River in Khargone, is a living testament to the glory of the legendary kingdom of Chakravartin Samrat Sahastraarjun. Based on the Sanskrit epics Mahabharata and Ramayana, it is believed that the ancient town was built on top of the site of Somvanshya Shastrarjun Kshatriya – the place where Sahasrajuna nailed Ravana to the ground and planted ten lamps on his head place. Years later, after the Classic War, the triumphant Yudhishthira celebrated his victory here by holding the Yagna. Finally, in the late 18th century, Maheshwar became the glorious capital of the Maratha queen Rajmata Ahilya Devi Holkar. Thus, the majestic Ashlia Fortress was born!
Today, the Sahasrarjun Temple at Maheshwar still shines with eleven lamps dedicated to Lord Agni, the patron deity of the kingdom. No one can deny the alluring charm of this place, which is mainly due to the great efforts of the great Ahilya Devi Holkar during her reign. She adorned the city with her grandeur and beauty, boasting a palace, a fort, temples and ghats with wide stone paths leading to rivers. Maheshwar has witnessed the legend and belief of Ahilya Devi.
No matter how many times I visit Maheshwar, stepping into the Ahilya Fort remains a fascinating experience. Ahilya Devi Holkar is an inspirational figurehead as she rebelliously embodies the rulers of her time. Every time I set foot on this ancient fortress, I’m struck by its majestic sculptures bathed in warm sunlight. The entrance to the fort is marked “Rajwada Pravesh Dwar,” a name that alludes to entering the 4,000-year-old royal residence.
Those who visit the Ahilya Fort for the first time must start their journey by visiting the Ahilya Court, otherwise known as Rajgaddi. This small court, adorned with antique cannon and frescoes of cattle, is often overlooked by tourists. Photography is strictly prohibited in Rajgaddi, but before starting your tour, you must pay homage to Rajmata Ahilya Devi. The partially uncovered courtyard is designed with a horseshoe seating arrangement crowned by Rajgaddi by Rajmata Ahilya Devi at the centre.
Rajgaddi – Regal Diwan-Turned Throne
Rajgaddi is a regal Diwan throne exuding stateliness with white cylindrical pillows and a framed picture of Queen Ahilya Devi. A mandatory feature of any traditional Hindu home, there is a tulsi plant in the center of the inner courtyard. A quick stroll under the tree-lined arch leads to a long flight of stone steps. While the bird’s-eye view of Ahilya Fort from the top stairs is spectacular, descending further will take you in awe of Madhya Pradesh’s grandest architectural wonder. A few steps down, an unrailed path reveals the gorgeous Rehwa Handloom Factory on the left, an otherworldly sight!
Ruihua Handloom Factory
Maheshwar’s great queen, Ahilyabai Holkar, was ahead of her time 300 years ago when she started the city’s traditional weaving industry, now known as the Maheshwari handloom. In the late 1700’s, her amazing foresight and insight led her to select several talented weavers from Surat to create unique and distinctive textiles in Maheshwar with the aim of empowering the women of the region. Initially, weavers practiced their craft within the walls of the fort, but the skill was quickly adopted by many families. Today, Maheshwar’s weaving heritage is still alive and well, continuing to captivate all who witness it.
Rehwa Handloom Factory gives you a glimpse of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar’s passion for the incomparable designs of Maheshwari sarees. From Chatai prints to striped Pallas, Eent, Lehers, Rui Phool, Diya, Tara and Arrow V designs – each unique pattern is a symbol of Maheshwari’s exquisite weaving. Representing the rustic elegance and sophistication of Maharani Ahilyabai, these pieces will amaze you!
Stroll to the sacred enclave of Ahilya Fort and be mesmerized by its fascinating wall carvings and adorned doors! Madhya Pradesh is known for its magnificent forts, and Ahilya Fort is one of the most impressive of them all, with its unique carved walls and gates that protect its secrets, except for the one that leads to the sacred Narmada River. seat. The castle’s architecture is a testimony to Queen Ahilya Bai, from its majestic arches and domes to its intricately carved and patterned doors, as well as the colorful ships and kind-hearted locals that adorn it!
The Ahilya fort complex houses many awe-inspiring temples, making it a popular destination in Maheshwar. Rumor has it that Jagat Guru Kripaluji Maharaj and many Krishna devotees visited the area to perform Akhand Sankirtan on the banks of the Narmada River. A visit to Narmada Ghat is a must to witness the locals bathing, rowing, praying and even swimming in the river. The boat ride to the ShahstraDhara waterfall was an unforgettable experience, the boatman even took us to a small Shiva temple in the middle of the river. Despite its size, it was packed with people chanting Narmadey Har, a traditional way of paying tribute to the Narmada River.
On one of my other trips to Maheshwar, I took a boat to the amazing Baneshwar Island. They say that the island is located at the center of the earth and is implicitly connected to the North Star. I had the opportunity to explore a 15th-century shrine in what is widely known as the Holy Land. On my return from Baneshwar, the boatman took me to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where Ahilya Bai built rooms for the ascetics and other saints. More recently, one of his descendants, Prince Richard Holkar, has lived in and maintained parts of the fort since 1971, truly leaving his royal stamp on the area.
The area that Richard Holkar lives in is indeed reminiscent of the majestic Marathon era. A royal kitchen with century-old teak furniture, lionskin rugs and acclaimed pomegranate duck cooked for the royal family.After indulging in the remarkable history, visitors to the fort usually end their tour with a cup of coffee and local snacks on site Labz Cafe.
