The
visit to this Shree Kashi Viswanath Temple, on the banks of the Narmada River at 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.
Moolavar : Shri Kashi Viswanath
Consort : Shri Parvati
Some
of the salient features of this temple are….
The
temple faces east with an entrance. Rishabam and a Koormam are in the ardha
mandapam. Sri Kashi Viswanathar is short on a round avudaiyar. Ma Parvati, a
King (?), is on the back of the sanctum sanctorum. Rama, Sita, Lakshmana,
Hanuman, and Garudan are above a Deva koshtam.
In the praharam, a Shiva Lingam with Rishabam and a deity.
ARCHITECTURE
The
temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum, the maha mandapam, and the ardha mandapam. The
temple is (on an upanam) at an elevated level. The total temple was constructed
with bricks. The vimanam is constructed as per the north Indian architecture of the Bhumija style. Amalaka and kalas are on the top of vimanam.
The
Rishabam was sculpted out of marble, carved exquisitely, and the knots of the ropes
and bells around the neck are clearly shown.
The
architectural similarities to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple are with an
18-pillared sabha mandapa (hall) and intricate stone detailing, further
strengthening this connection.
HISTORY
AND INSCRIPTIONS
The
temple was built in 1786 by Devi Ahalyabai Holkar inside the fort, behind the
palace. The same was reconstructed after it was damaged due to the Narmada
River flood in recent times.
LEGENDS
As
per the local legend, the Shiva Linga at this temple was intended for the Kashi
Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, but somehow found its way to Maheshwar. This
gives the temple a special significance for devotees who cannot make it to
Varanasi, allowing them to offer their prayers here instead.
Locals
believe that Rishabam has a peculiar habit of disappearing during the night to
graze and then returning to the temple in the morning. To prevent Rishabam from
wandering off, the priests have built a balustrade around him, adding to the
mystical atmosphere of the temple.
POOJAS
AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart
from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Maha Shivaratri day.
Aarti
is conducted around 19.30 hrs.
TEMPLE
TIMINGS
The
temple will be kept open from 05.00 hrs to 22.00 hrs.
CONTACT
DETAILS
HOW
TO REACH
The
temple is on the banks of the Narmada River and on the back side of the Devi Ahilyabai
Holkar palace, 66 km from Shri Omkareshwar, the Jyotir Linga Temple, and 93 km
from Indore.
The
nearest Railway Station is Indore.
LOCATION
OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
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OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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