Maheshwar - The Land of Legends
Situated on the banks of river Narmada, the ancient town of Maheshwar is a blend of spirituality, heritage, and culture. The capital of the erstwhile Maratha empire under Rajmata Ahilya Devi Holkar in the 18th century, Maheshwar has also been the centre of handloom weaving since the 5th century, with weavers producing the exquisite Maheshwari saree. History This temple town finds a mention in the Hindu epic Ramayana when it was known as Mahishmati, the capital of King Kartivarjuna. As per legend, once King Kartivarjuna had gone for an outing with his wives and had stopped the waters of the mighty river Narmada with his bare hands. Meanwhile, Ravana, while crossing the same path, saw the dry river bed and thought it was an ideal place to worship Lord Shiva. He made a Shiva Linga out of the sand from the river bed and began to pray. As Kartivarjuna and his wives finished their day's outing, the king let the waters of the river flow again. The gushing water swept away the Sh...