Ahilyeshwar Temple is one of the ancient Hindu temples in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh.
The temple, is located just 1.5 km away from the Maheshwar Bus Station.
In fact, the Maheshwar Fort complex houses several temples dedicated to different incarnations of Lord Shiva. It’s no wonder that Maheshwar is sometimes called “Gupt Kashi” due to the sheer number of Shiva temples in the area.
Ahilyeshwar Temple is one of the oldest and biggest temples in Maheshwar, situated on the banks of the Narmada River. The temple was built-in Maratha and North Indian Style, showcasing the impressive architectural skills of the Maratha workmen. It took 34 years to build, costing a whopping 1.5 crore Indian rupees!
But let’s not just talk about the temple’s price tag. The temple’s sanctum santorum features a Lord Shiva statue with Nandi, and the temple’s premise showcases beautifully crafted carvings of Maratha soldiers and elephants that are sure to catch your eye. Don’t be surprised if you also spot statues of Dashavatar of Vishnu on the temple’s pillars!
In fact, Maheshwar city is named after Lord Shiva, and the city lives up to its name with countless Shiva Lingas consecrated in the ghats. This tradition was started by Rajmata, where 108 Brahmins used to create 1,25,000 Shiva Lingas from black earth every day, worship them individually, and then offer them to the Narmada River. Today, 11 Brahmins make about 15,000 Shiva Lingas daily, continuing this beautiful tradition.
It’s no wonder that devotees from far-flung places visit Maheshwar to have darshan of Narmada Devi and Lord Shiva during the auspicious months of Shravan, Karthik, Margashirsha, and Kumbha.
But let’s get back to the Ahilyeshwar Temple. The temple offers stunning views of the Narmada River from its different levels, with highly ornate arched openings, windows, and doorways. There is even an inscription of 16 lines at the entrance of the temple that states that the temple was built in honor of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar by Maharani Krishnabai on the wish of Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar.