Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh
Discover Maheshwar
On the banks of the river Narmada lies Maheshwar, a beautiful temple town that often features as a location in Bollywood and Tamil/ Kollywood movies. Maheshwar is thought to have existed since the beginning of Indian civilisation and is mentioned in the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics.
This charming town is awash with bustling ghats, colourful houses and saffron-clad pilgrims and sadhus (holy people who have renounced the worldly life). Maheshwar sings of the glory of ancient India.
Places to visit in Maheshwar
- Visit the ghats at dusk to see the evening prayer ceremonies, or head to the street markets for handwoven silk and cotton Maheshwari sarees as souvenirs.
- The Rehwa Society for hand‐loom weaving and the Ahilya School supported by Rehwa, offers a fascinating insight into local life and traditions.
- Ahilya Fort. High above the sacred Narmada river is the imposing Ahilya Fort. Converted to a wonderful heritage hotel in 2000, it was built for the Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar and included her personal residences, offices, and darbaar audience hall all within the fort.
- Baneshwar Temple. This ancient temple on an island surrounded by the fast flow of the Narmada River is a shivalay (temple of Shiva). The temple dates back to the 9th or 10th centuries and its triangular walls are a wonderful example of an ancient building technique that protects temples from the currents of water.
- Festivals. Maheshwar is full of celebrations and festivals, including Nag Panchami, Gudi Padava and Teez (New year celebrations according to the Hindu calendar). Every year on the Sunday before the sun enters the sign of Capricorn, Mahaamrityunjaya Rath Yaatraa takes place, to celebrate the welfare of humanity, culminating at the banks of the holy river Narmada.
The best way to see Maheshwar
If you would like to visit Maheshwar, why not take a look at one of our wonderful ATOL and ABTA protected holidays? Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and the tours mentioned are just examples to help inspire you. Contact our travel experts on 01792 315499 or email info@aitholidays.com for more information.
