Khargone, a city in Madhya Pradesh, offers a great place to spend your holidays.
It’s a place where you can sit by the banks of the Narmada River, next to the Ahilya Fort,
and witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that will make your trip unforgettable.
The Legacy of Ahilya Bai Holkar
Ahilya Bai Holkar was a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. That’s why you’ll find hundreds of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva within the fort complex. Let’s delve into the history of this place.
Historical Significance of the Fort
According to the book “Maheshwar Tourism,” the historical fort was built in the 5th and 6th centuries by King Subandhu.
It was under Mughal rule for a while and later came under the Holkars, who made significant changes, giving it the Maratha touch that we see today.
Inside the Khargone Fort
There are two main entrances to the Khargone Fort: one from Bazaar Chowk and the other from the Narmada Access Road.
As you approach the fort from Bazaar Chowk, you’ll see a grand wooden gate, indicating that you are entering the Holkar State.
Exploring the Ahilya Bai Holkar Legacy
Inside the fort, you’ll find the royal palace of Rajwada, where Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar’s throne is placed.
In this area, you can also encounter the history of the Holkar family, along with weapons, cannons, and palanquins. Nearby is a prayer room with a golden swing, where Lord Shri Krishna is believed to swing daily.
This prayer room also houses idols of several other deities made of gold and silver. It is said that Ahilya Bai used to worship here regularly.
The Abundance of Shiv Temples
Ahilya Bai Holkar was a great devotee of Lord Shiva, which is why you’ll find numerous Shiva temples within the fort complex.
One of them is the temple of Lord Kashi Vishwanath, built under Ahilya Bai’s patronage. With so many Shiva shrines and other temples, Maheshwar is often referred to as “Gupt Kashi.”
Spectacular Views of the Narmada River
From the fort’s windows and balconies, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Narmada River flowing swiftly below.
Ahilya Bai used to witness the Narmada’s divine beauty from the upper parts of the fort.Empowering Women through Maheshwari Sarees
To empower women, Ahilya Bai Holkar initiated the creation of Maheshwari sarees. In Maheshwar,
many handlooms produce these sarees, with nearly 4,000 women contributing their skills. Maheshwari sarees now have a unique identity worldwide.
Heritage Hotel within the Fort
Inside the fort, there’s a heritage hotel managed by Prince Yashwant Rao Holkar, a descendant of Ahilya Bai Holkar.
This hotel offers comfortable accommodations with 3-star facilities. You can stay here for a day by paying between 8,000 to 10,000 rupees.
Note that general entry to this hotel is restricted due to its historical significance.
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