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Maheshwar is a town in the banks of Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh. It was once a glorious city and a capital of Maratha Holkar Dynasty.
Maheshwar is named after the Hindu god Shiva. The town developed under the reign of Queen Ahilya Devi Holkar. She built many temples, buildings and ghats on the river front.
Today, it is famous for the handloom industry which was started during the Holkar rule.
History
Maheshwar was the capital of Malwa under the rule of Maratha Holkar Dynasty. Later, Indore was made the capital in 1818.
Mainly, the town flourished under the rule of Queen Ahilya Devi Holkar. She also improved the handloom weaving industry. Today, it is one of the prominent centres of handloom weaving in India.
Photo Courtesy: Dchandresh
Legend
Maheshwar is related with the mythical town of Mahishmati . Once the King Sahasrarjuna came here for a picnic with his 500 wives. To make way for a play area for his wives, he holds Narmada river with his thousand arms.
Meanwhile, Ravana upon seeing the dry river bed, forms a Linga to make his prayers. By that time, the king's wives finish playing and he leaves the river from his hold. The rushing water flows and destroys Ravana's prayer time. So, Ravana tracks this king and a battle takes place. Sahasrarjuna wins and imprisons Ravana for a long time.
Photo Courtesy: Kirandeep Atwal
Location
Maheshwar is located in Khargone District. It is 95km from the city of Indore in Madhya Pradesh. The city is situated on the Northern banks of river Narmada.
Photo Courtesy: Rashi Kalra
Places to Visit
Maheshwar has many heritage sites and temples. Among them, Ahilya Fort, Narmada river ghats, Palace of Maheshwar (heritage hotel) are some of the major tourist places here.
Photo Courtesy: Bernard Gagnon
Temples
Maheshwar looks like miniature Varanasi because of the river ghats and temples.
Sahasrarjun Temple, Ahilya Mata's Chhatris, Gobar Ganesh Mandir, Kashi Vishwanatha Mandir, Ek Mukhi Datta Mandir and Vindhyavasini temple are some of the important temples in Maheshwar.
Photo Courtesy: Nilrocks
Maheshwari Saris
The handloom weaving industry is suppose to have existed from 5th century. It was developed to a big industry by the formation of Rewa Society under the guidance of Ahilya Devi. Today, Maheshwar is one of the major handloom weaving centres. It is popular for Maheshwari Saris, a unique patterned cotton saris.
Photo Courtesy: Dchandresh
Shooting Location
Maheshwar has an old world charm with beautiful locations. It has served as a film shooting location for many Tamil movies, Hindi TV series and films.
Tamil Movie Arrambam's song, Hindi serial 'Jhans Ki Rani' and Hindi film 'Yamala Pagala Deewana' were some shot here.
Photo Courtesy: Lukas Vacovsky
