Let’s go to Maheshwar महेश्वर to #Xplorebharat

Namaskar to all travelers of #XploreBharat where we religiously believe in India tourism tagline of “Atithi Devo Bhava”
I hope you had fun visiting a different part of Incredible India to date.

From Wagah in Punjab(North) to unique museum in Delhi, and Planned city Chandigarh. Towards West a peek into Vibrant Gujrat at Dwarka, and the incredible state of India in Pink city Jaipur Rajasthan. We took a turn to South India to see Kanhangad in The God’s Own Country Kerala and Enchanting Tamilnadu at Ooty. We even experienced MagnificentNortheast in Halfway to Heaven in Shillong and being Sunday to have some more fun we visited Hampi in Karnataka with Sanjota. Now I happily receive the baton for this #XploreBharat blog train from Sanjota to take it further where I will take you to Madhya Pradesh known as The Heart of Incredible India.

MP me dil Hua Bacchae sa…MP Ajab Hai, Sabse Gajab Hai…

The famous MP tourism advertisement we all have heard isn’t it.

If not check this out – MP tourism ad.
I was born in the city of temples Ujjain, the mahakaal nagari of Madhya Pradesh. This Mahamrityunjay dwar on Indore-Ujjain road is a welcome gate to this city of temples. I have endless stories about Ujjain but today I will take you all to Maheshwar. Maheshwar use to be the capital of the Malwa during the Maratha Holkar reign till 6 January 1818, before it was shifted to Indore.

Maheshwar

First of all, let me tell you how Maheshwar happened to me. I love handloom sarees and Maheshwar is home to unique and beautiful Maheshwari saris. I was in Ujjain when we planned a visit to Maheshwar to purchase Maheshwari saree. As a result, my saree search bought me to this astounding place.

Furthermore, I came to know that several Bollywood movies were shot here. The famous ghats of Maheshwar came rolling in Bony Kapoor’s production Tevar, in the movie’s introductory song with the actress. Also, the movie Aśoka, and of course Shooting Location of PADMAN Film directed by R.Balki starring Akshay Kumar, was none other than Maheshwar.

महेश्वर शहर मध्य प्रदेश के खरगौन ज़िले में स्थित है। यह नगर नर्मदा नदी के उत्तरी तट पर स्थित है। शहर आज़ादी से पहले होल्कर वंश के मराठा शासकों के इंदौर राज्य की राजधानी था। इस शहर का नाम ‘महेश्वर’ भगवान शिव के ही एक अन्य नाम ‘महेश’ के आधार पर पड़ा है। अतः महेश्वर का शाब्दिक अर्थ है- “भगवान शिव का घर”। इस शहर को महिष्मती नाम से भी जाना जाता था। महेश्वर का रामायण और महाभारत में भी उल्लेख है। देवी अहिल्याबाई होलकर के कालखंड में बनाए गए यहाँ के घाट सुंदर हैं और इनका प्रतिबिंब नदी में और खूबसूरत दिखाई देता है। इंदौर से 90 की.मी. की दुरी पर “नर्मदा नदी” के किनारे बसा यह खुबशुरत पर्यटन स्थल म.प्र. शासन द्वारा “पवित्र नगरी” का दर्जा प्राप्त है, अपने आप में कला, धार्मिक, संस्कृतिक, व एतिहासिक महत्व को समेटे यह शहर लगभग 2500 वर्ष पुराना हैं |

The word Maheshwar in Hindi means Great God, an epithet of Lord Shiva.

There are no visual cues that set this place apart from the thousand other small towns spread across central India. Only if you get odd the main road and venture into the bustling bylanes you can experience the magic. The famed fortress, long and well-documented history and rich tradition of weaving become evident. For the reason that I got down to spend my day here.
It took me three hours to reach Maheshwar. I enjoyed the surroundings and immerse myself in the vibrant culture of this town. I knew it is worth a visit as it is home to the Holkars for just over 250 years thanks to Google. It is believed by many, that Maheshwar was originally the ancient town of Mahishmati. It has mentions found in both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

The Maheshwar fort/ Holkar Fort/ Ahilya Fort

The fort in the pic is Ahilya fort which is a 16th-century fort and is famous for its elegant architecture & spectacular view from Narmada River.

Maheshwar is better known as being the capital of Rajmata Ahilya Devi Holkar’s empire during the 18th century.  Bang on the bank of the river from where one can enjoy the best view of river, boating, sunrise, and sunset. 
The formidable walls of Maheshwar Fort are pierced by five gateways, the main one being the Ahilya Dwar.
The Fort is on the edge of a cliff, high above the sacred Narmada River. The beautiful and unexploited town of Maheshwar surrounds it.

You can witness the life-size statue of rani Ahilya bai seated on the throne at Ahilya bai fort and palace.

Among the many ghats in Maheshwar Peshwa, phanse, and Ahilya are the most well known. Chants of Om Namah Shivay fill in the air.

Even more, a short walk around the fort and you can visit and seek blessings in many temples along the ghats. Like Ek Mukhi Dutta Temple, Sahastrarjun Temple, Sri Somavamsha Sahasrarjuna temple, Rajrajeshwari Temple, the temple of eleven Akhand Jyoti Deepak (eternal flame lamp), Ahilyeshwara temple, Baneshwar Mahadev Temple to name a few.

Colorful boats lie moored on the ghats to take the tourists for a cruise on the waters of the Narmada. Probably, this boat ride took me in the bygone era and turned out to be a memorable experience


Towards 65 km east of Maheshwar lies Onkareshwar temple. It is one of the 12 most popular Shiv Lingam temples in India. Mahakaleshwar just 90 km from there is another of the twelve Jyotirlingams of India. So in my next visit will surely take you to both the jyotirlingas.

The Maheshwari Saree

As I already told you that my saree shopping bought me to this beautiful town. A 400-year old hand-woven creation, it was first commissioned by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar. A center of handloom weaving since the 5th century, Maheshwar has been producing the exquisite Maheshwari saris and fabric.  

A Maheshwari sari in the making at the Rehwa Society weaving unit

The fabric gets a vibrant look due to natural color dying, also the zari and brocade enhance the sari’s richness and appeal.
A maheshwari saree was a must buy before I leave with fond memories of this small but very beautiful city of Maheshwar.

Certainly, the beautiful palace, heritage fort, grand temples and the pious bank of River Narmada makes the city of Maheshwar a spiritual and heritage retreat in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Proud host and participant of #Xplorebharat with #BlogBoosterIndia blog train.

This post is a part of the #XploreBharat Blog Train hosted by Aditi, Esha, Maheshwaran, PraGun, Preeti, Saba, Sanjota, Sonia, Sudip, Suhasini, Supriya

“Today the #XploreBharat Blog Train has come to Maheshwar in M.P. and I wish all a Happy Journey for future destinations. The next stop of this #XploreBharat Blog Train will be Vishakhapatnam with Anupriya.” Till then have a stay at Maheshwar and roam with me.

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