The
visit to this Ahilyabai Temple, Maheswar, in Madhya Pradesh, was a part of “Magnificent
Madhya Pradesh Yatra - Bhopal / Indore / Mandu / Maheswar / Ujjain”, from Nov
23 to Nov 29, 2025, organised by Mantra Yathra. Thanks to Mr Balaji
Davey and his team of Mantra
Yatra (website), for the excellent
arrangement and personal care.
The city of Maheswar was the capital of
the Malwa region during the Maratha Holkar reign till 6 January 1818, when the
capital was shifted to Indore by Malhar Rao Holkar III. This Cenotaph/temple
was built in memory of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar. A Shiva Linga is installed in the
sanctum sanctorum, and the temple is also called Ahalyeswar Temple.
ARCHITECTURE
The
memorial temple is enclosed from all sides by a prahara and is built in the
style of ancient Indian temples, with a sanctum, antechamber, and mandapa. The
structure includes elements like vedibandha, jangha, and a Nagara-style
shikhara. The entrance features deepsthambs on both sides and a fountain in the
Maratha style. The patterns carved on the pillars and walls are found in
traditional Maheshwari sarees.
HISTORY
AND INSCRIPTIONS
This
Chhatri (cenotaph) was built in memory of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. The
construction was initiated in 1799 by Maharaja Yashwant Rao Holkar I, and it
was completed in 1839 by his wife, Krushnabai.
This
cenotaph is being maintained by “THE KHASGI DEVI AHILYABAI HOLKAR CHARITIES
TRUST.”
LOCATION
OF THE RANI AHALYABAI HOLKAR TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
Memorial for another Royal King
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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