Tourist Places to Visit in Maheshwar, Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, India

Tourist Places to Visit in Maheshwar, Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, India

Maheshwar is a town located in Khargone district in Madhya Pradesh is approx 91 kms from city of Indore. It lies approx 13 kms from National Highway 3 and situated on the banks of river Narmada. Maheshwar literacy rate is over 67% and Hindi is the main language spoken by the people living in this town. Maheshwar lies at an elevation of 505 feet above sea level and is one of the popular tourist place in Madhya Pradesh. It coordinates with 22.11’ degree North Latitude and 75.35’ degree East Longitude with Pin Code being 451224.

Etymology & History:

Some legend says that the town of Maheshwar emerged from the name of Mahesh who is also called as lord Shankar. In the earlier times, Maheshwar used to be the capital of king Kartaviriya Arjuna. Indian mythology say that when Ravana was flying in his Pushpaka Vimana, he noticed the dry river bed and an idea struck him that this would be the ideal place to pray to lord Shiva, hence he made a Shivalinga made out of sand and started praying. During the 18^th century, Maheshwar served as the capital city of the great Maratha lady ruler Ahilya Devi Holkar, the ruler of Indore.

Places of attractions in and near Maheshwar:

Ahilya Fort:

The fort is built in the memory of Maratha lady ruler Ahilya Devi Holkar in the 18^th century. The fort is known for its excellent craftsmanship which draws many local as well as international visitors.

Kasrawad:

This place is famous for its cotton sarees which comes in different designs, colors, borders and stripes. Other popular attractions include Bhavani Mata temple and Baba ki Mazar on Gangleshwar hills.

Mandleshwar:

Mandleshwar is about 8.4 kms from Maheshwar that has attractions such as Hathani, Ganga-Zira Chhappan-Dev, Dhawal-kunda, Shstradhra and Ramkund. There is also a dam built across river Narmada which is an ideal picnic spot for many people during weekends.

Khargone:

Khargone is about 20 kms from Maheshwar situated on the banks of Kunda river known for cotton and chilly cultivation. There is also a temple dedicated to nine planets and is visited by many locals throughout the year.

Holkar Fort:

The fort was built in 18^th century located on the banks of river Narmada and was the residence of Ahilya Bai Holkar. The fort attracts lots of tourists from all parts of the country.

Omkareshwar Temple:

Omkareshwar temple is dedicated to lord Omkareshwar who is also known as lord Shiva. The temple is known for one of the 12 Jyothirlings of lord Mahesh and the temple comes alive during time of Shivratri.

Navdatoli:

This is located on the banks of river Narmada and is considered to be a pre-historic site from Paleothic period which attracts lot of tourists.

Pandrinath Temple:

This is one of the sacred Hindu temples located in Maheshwar dedicated to lord Vishnu. The temple draws huge gatherings during the 8^th day of the month of Sravana.

Jaleshwar Temple:

The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and the presiding deity is worshipped as God of water. The idol of the deity is in the form of a linga which attracts many devotees.

Tilbhandeshwar Temple:

This temple is dedicated to lord Tilbhandeshwar who is also called as lord Mahesh. The temple is famous for creative master architecture, balconies and gopurams. It is the belief of the locals that the idol of the deity increases every year. Shivaratri is the main festival of this temple which is attended by thousands of devotees.

Kashi Viswanath Temple:

This temple is one of the 12 Jyothirlings situated in the country and was built by Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar and is one among the most renowned temples of Maheshwar. It is a local belief that whoever visits the temple and prays with true devotion, all their pains and sufferings will be relieved by the lord.

Swaadhyaaya Bhavan Ashram:

Swaadhyaaya Bhavan Ashram is the starting point of Mahamrityunjaya Rath Yatra in Maheshwar. It is one of its kind of Rath Yatra in the entire world which was initiated by Shri Harvilas Aasopaa for the service of the mankind.

Kaleshwara Temple:

The temple is dedicated to lord Kaleshwar who is also called as lord Shiva lies on the banks of river Narmada. The temple sees the idol of the lord in a destructive posture that draws many devotees all round the day.

Ahileshwara Temple:

The temple is dedicated in name of lord Rama located on the banks of river Narmada. The temple is adorned with beautiful carvings in the front side and has paintings of Maratha soldiers and elephants which attract many visitors.

Rajaraheshwara Temple:

The temple is known for eternal flame lamps or the 11 Akhand Jyoti Deepaks situated in the proximity of Ahileshwara temple. The temple is located on the banks of river Narmada and its exteriors are carved with sculptures and mirror works. Devotees offer oil and ghee to the lamp which is kept burning at all times and never allowed to extinguish.

Connectivity to Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh:

Maheshwar is adequately networked by well laid roads. National Highway 3 passes via Maheshwar which makes the place quite easily accessible by road. Indore city is about 91 kms from Maheshwar and the nearest railway station is Indore Junction where many express and passenger trains arrive and depart on daily basis. The nearest airport for Maheshwar is Indore Airport which is about 91 kms offers many domestic flights to various destinations.

Accommodations in Maheshwar:

Maheshwar has some good hotels, guest houses and lodges which provide decent accommodation facilities to the tourists. The hotels range from 1 star to 5 star and provide hosts of amenities and services for the travelers who have taken accommodation in such hotels. List of hotels located in and near Maheshwar are: