Temples revived by Ahilyabai Holkar

 Ahilyabai Holkar is said to have been the force behind the construction and renovation of many temples across India in the 18th century.

A number of heroes and those that lent their lives to the country have been forgotten in modern history. One such person was Ahilyabai Holkar, the queen of the Maratha Malwa kingdom. On Monday, while inaugurating the first phase of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled her contributions. The core of the temple had been constructed by Holkar in about 1780 – a statue of her and the saint Adi Shankaracharya adorn it now. Holkar is said to have been the force behind the construction and renovation of many temples across India in the 18th century.

“Kashi is not only the cultural and spiritual capital of India, it is also a living avatar of India’s soul. It is situated in Uttar Pradesh region, connecting north and east, where Vishwanath temple was damaged, and then the temple was reconstructed by Mata Ahilyabai Holkar, whose ‘janmabhoomi’ was Maharashtra, but ‘karmabhoomi’ was Indore, Maheswar and other areas. Today, I bow to Mata Ahilyabai Holkar, 200-250 years ago, she did so much,” PM Modi said in his address at the event.

The current temple was re-constructed by Holkar in about 1780; it was crowned with a golden ‘shikhar’ by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 19th century.

Who was Ahilyabai Holkar?

Born in the village of Chondi in what is now Ahmednagar in Maharashtra in 1725, she was the queen of the Maratha Malwa kingdom. After being married in 1733, she came into the role after the deaths of her husband (in 1754) and her father-in-law Malhar Rao Holkar.

Ahilyabai would lead her army into battle and is remembered as a pioneering individual. She was also behind the construction and renovation of scores of Hindu temples and dharamshalas. Here is a list of prominent temples that bear her influence.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Now the centre of attention with the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, it is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was rebuilt in 1780 by Holkar after it had been attacked by several rulers, most notably during the time of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Old Somnath Temple: The pink structure stands right opposite the new Somnath Temple in Veravel, Gujarat. It had come under Maratha rule in the 17th century. Holkar is said to have played a role in its reconstruction. Legend had it that its Swayambhu Linga had come to her in her dream.

Vishnupad Temple: It is said to be one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Bihar’s Gaya. Holkar is said to have rebuilt the temple in 1787. Black stone came in from Munger while the craftsmen were brought from Rajasthan.

Grishneshwar Temple: The temple in Maharashtra, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was referenced in the Shiva Purana. Less than a kilometre from the Ellora Caves, it is said to be the last and twelfth Jyotirlinga. It was destroyed and rebuilt many times over centuries. Its final form was given by Holkar in the 18th century after the decline of the Mughal empire.

Ahilyeshwar Temple: Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone district had served as a capital to Ahilyabai in the late eighteenth century. She would build the Ahilyeshwar Temple here among other forts and monuments.

Shri Vaijnath Temple: The ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in Maharashtra’s Beed district. It has been claimed that the temple is a Jyotirlinga. It was renovated by Holkar in the first half of the 18th century.

Omkareshwar Temple: Located in Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district, the temple is another of the Jyotirlingas. It stands on an island in the middle of the Narmada river and is said to have been made by Holkar.

Aundha Nagnath Temple: The ancient Shiva temple also claims to be a Jyotirlinga. It is located in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district. The temple was rebuilt by Holkar after it had been destroyed during the reign of Aurangzeb.

(With PTI Inputs)