Maheshwar

Maheshwar, the Varanasi of central India, is a small holy town dedicated to Lord Shiva. Set along the banks of the Narmada river, it's said that only Shiva is worshiped where the Narmada flows, as he's the only god with the inner peace to calm her.

Mentioned in both the Mahabharata and Ramayana (Hindu texts) under its old name, Mahishmati, Maheshwar is recognized for its spiritual significance, drawing pilgrims and Hindu holy men to its ancient temples and ghats.

Maheshwar was revived by Ahilyabai Holkar, of the Holkar dynasty from Maharastra, who reigned from 1767–1795 and moved the capital there. The dynasty's culture imprint is visible everywhere in the town.