Maheshwar in MP is a place that is well known in our epic Ramayana in which Ravan is said to have been imprisoned by Sahastrarjun, the king of Maheshwar for six months. Mahabharata too mentions Maheshwar. It is said that Rishi Jamadagni, Sri Parshuram and Rishika Renuka Devi all lived in or near Maheshwar. In more recent times Maheshwar has been the capital of Malwa during the reign of Maratha Holkar till 6th of January 1818 on which date the capital was moved by Holkar III to Indore.

Since the 5th century Maheshwar has been a centre for the handloom weaving cottage industry. Ladies will not forget the name Maheshwari since it is linked with some of the most exquisite Maheshwari saris. There are several tourist places to visit in and around Maheshwar. Some of these places will be discussed now.

Holkar Fort which was built in 18^th century AD is a great puller of crowds in Maheshwar. The fort is located on the picturesque banks of the River Narmada. It was once the residence of the famous queen of Malwa, Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar. Visitors marvel at the Chhatris as well as the seat the queen would sit on while she stayed in the fort. There are temples too that are dedicated to different incarnations of Lord Shiva. Rani Ahilya Bai was a powerful ruler who made all out efforts in order to protect her kingdom. The fort, with its splendid architecture is today a heritage hotel that is maintained by the son of the late Maharaja of Indore.

Ahilyeshwar Temple, also dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a testament to the excellent standard of architectural skills the Maratha workmen had in the days gone by. In the temple you will find outstandingly intricate artwork and designs all in the honour of the Lord. Besides the shrine of Shiva, the temple has a shrine of Rama as well. The atmosphere inside the temple is very soothing and visitors find it most relaxing. Aartis are held at 8 in the morning and 6 in the evening.

According to legends this wonderful piece of architecture was constructed in the presence and rule of one of the most powerful women leaders, Ahilyabai Holkar, the queen of the region. However, it is suprising that Rajwada displays not only the architectural styles of the Marathas but also speaks of inspiration from French and Mughal designs. The statue of the queen Ahilyabai stands at the entrance and is one of the major attractions.

Mandleshwar finds mention in both Mahabharata and Ramayana as a beautiful city called Mahishmati, the capital of south Avanti during the reign of Raja Kartavirya Arjun. The beautiful and quiet town is located in Khargone, MP and is popular because of its bathing ghats and fort complex. The place is well known for its saris and their floral designs. The fort and temples of Mandleshwar are charming and grand with exceptional architectural standards. Religion and tourism are powerful attractions for this place because of ancient temples such as Mandav, Bawangaja and Shiv Jyotirlinga Mandleshwar. This place is also well known on account of films that are shot here such as Ashoka and Tulsi among others. Tourists from abroad who are impressed with architecture and spiritualism of India visit this place.

The construction of Narmada Ghat is attributed to Rani Ahilyabai. This is one of the attractions of Maheshwar on account of the ambience created by the flowing river and the lush greenery that surrounds it. The place is an amazing choice for having picnics and basically to enjoy the day free from stress and worries.

Once again Jaleshwar Temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva of the triumvirate. The temple is an outstanding example of a temple that is created for the worship of the Lord as a god of water. Legend has it that the temple was constructed as a dedication to the Lord who protected the world from the impact of Ganga’s fall from the heavens on earth.

Khargone is 38 km from Maheshwar. It is the 24^th largest city in MP. This town is home to the administrative offices that include the Collectorate and the police besides telecom and the other organizations. The city is vibrant and very active. Famous for being a major producer of chillies and cotton, Khargone is well known for the temple Navgraha Mandir, dedicated to the nine planets. This place is also known for its proximity to Ahilya Fort and Pandrinath Temple. In ancient times this place was the capital of the Malwas during the reign of the Holkars. 

This is one of the rare temples in Maheshwar, that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu among all the temples that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is something of an epitome of architectural excellence. You will note very fine and complicated architecture carved on the temple doors. It is definitely worth the while to visit this temple.