The name of the town means ‘Abode of Lord Shiva’. The town is believed to be built on the site of the capital of Somvanshya Shastrarjun Kshastriya. It was the capital of King Kartavirya Arjun and was known as ‘Mahishmati’.
Later in the 8th century, the town was the capital of the Holkar dynasty, ruled by Rajmata Ahilya Bai Holkar. It was Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar who brought infrastructural development to the town. During her regime, several building and temples were built, still exit today. A prime attraction of the town is the Holkar Fort. Located on the banks of Narmada river, it was the residence of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar. The ghats of Maheshwar are another tourist attraction. As the town is located on the banks of holy Narmada river, the ghats represent the essences of religious Indian cities. It is the place where devotees do meditation.
Maheshwar has been a major centre of handloom weaving since the 5th century. It produces the famous Maheshwari saris introduced by Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar 250 years ago.
Location:
The temple town of Maheshwar is located in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh. Situated on the banks of Narmada river, the town was once the capital of Holkar dynasty before it was shifted to Indore. It is located 13 km east of National Highway 3 (Agra-Mumbai highway) and 91 km from Indore, the commercial capital of the state.
Climate:
Though Maheshwar can be visited throughout the year, but it can be a splendid experience during the months of October to Mid of March as the water level of Narmada River remains within normal, during summers it might be little unpleasant which is between March to June the temperature can be a searing experience, rest of time the place remain cool and hassles free. The place can be paid a visit during the months of February to March, as during this time some of main festival of Lord Shiva being celebrated here in their full charm.
Holkar Fort, located on the bank of River Narmada, was built in the 18th century. This monument was the residence of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, due to which it is also known as the Queen's Fort.
One can see the life-size statue of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar sitting on the throne. Chhatris, temples, a wada make the fort an interesting place to visit. Today, the fort is a heritage hotel, it is managed by Shivaji Rao Holkar, son of the founder of the hotel and last Maharaja of Indore, Prince Richard Holkar.
Rajwada depicts the history of Holkars and is situated in the heart of the town. A structure of seven storeys, the edifice is believed to have been constructed under the orders of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. This building displays the combination of Muslim, French and Maratha styles in its architecture.
A statue of late Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, placed at the entrance, is a major crowd puller. Tourists can also explore various other exhibits belonging to that era in the edifice. This building houses an ancient shrine, which is believed to be the foundation place of the famous festival of Dussehra.
This 16th century fort is famous for its elegant architecture & spectacular view from Narmada River, this place was constructed by a greatest queen Ahalya Bai Holkar and was her residential place, a queen India ever had seen. More than 210 years after her death, Ahilyabai’s reign is still a reality in the quiet town that was her capital for almost three decades. Its there in the impressive ghats, or riverine landings, rising from the broad flow of the Narmada, one can see it in soaring temples and cenotaphs. It’s in the sound of clacking looms creating the old weaves of the famed Maheshwari hand-woven fabrics. The reverence in which the people of Maheshwar hold her has deified Ahilyabai. This sprawling Fort now has turned into a luxurious 4 star hotel with very few luxury rooms for tourists who are coming to visit Maheshwar and its adjoining tourist attractions like Mandu, Omkareshwar, Indore, Ujjain etc. .
Located on the shores of the River Narmada, this temple is home to another shrine dedicated to Lord Ram, besides its main shrine. Various carvings adorn the front side of this temple. In addition to these, this temple also exhibits several images of Maratha soldiers and elephants, which attracts many visitors to its premises every year.