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 Maheshwar
was a glorious city at the dawn of Indian civilization when it was
Mahishmati, capital of king Kartivarjun. This temple town on the banks
of the river Narmada finds mention in the epics of Ramayana and
Mahabharata. Revived to its ancient position of importance by the Holkar
queen Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. Maheshwar's temples and mighty
fort-complex stand in quiet beauty, mirrored in the river below.
Today, Maheshwar is also
known for its distinctive handwoven sarees called Maheshwari.
Peshwa Ghat, Fanase Ghat
and Ahilya Ghat line the river Narmada, flights of steps lead down from
the sandy banks to the river and through the day a kaleidoscope of rural
India can be seen here, in the pilgrims and holy men who sit here in
silent meditation; in the rows of graceful women, who carry gleaming
brass pots down to the holy, life giving river; in the ferry loads of
villagers who cross and recross these surging waters. Lining the banks
too, are poignant memorials in stone to the satis of Maheshwar, who
perished on the funeral pyres of their husbands.
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