Maheshwar was the capital of Malwa at the time of Punyashlok Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar. Ahilya Fort and Mahadev temple inside the fort was built by Punyashlok Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar, is a Masterpiece of architecture on the banks of Narmada River.
Entire fort and temple is carved in solid rock and is still intact today with all its carvings in proper shape. Statues carved on the walls of this temple are so accurate and well preserved that they look as if they are alive. Statues on the walls clearly shows the overall lifestyle of royal servant’s and many other things.
FUN FACT:
Maheshwar is also well-known for colorful Maheshwari Sarees where your wife may not be able to stop her from purchasing couple of sarees for her 😀 – so be prepared for that 😉
Chhatri(canopy) is half-spherical or dome-shaped pavilion used as a structure in Indian architecture. The Chhatri in the picture above is built in the name of Vithoji Rao Holkar.
Punyashlok Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar was well-known for her justice and impartial nature. She even ordered her own son to be punished to death under the elephant feet for his crime. The picture above shows the same story carved on the interior wall of the fort.
Interior wall of the Ahilya Fort is extremely beautiful and are carved with various personalities and events of the royal family at that time.
FUN FACT:
Beauty of Ahilya Fort and Maheshwar has attracted many Bollywood Film Directors to capture some of the scenes in this fort and on the bank of Narmada River. Few bollywood movies like, Ashoka(Shahrukh Khan), few episodes of Jhansi Ki Raani TV Serial, Yamla Pagla Diwana movie and recent movies like Bajirao Mastani and Neerja