Did You Know Ahilyabai Holkar Restored All Major Temples From Kashi Vishwanath To Rameswaram After Attack By Mughals?

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Rani Ahilyabai Holkar wasn’t just a queen, she was a true devotee of Lord Shiva. Its said that, she would sit with a Shivling in her hand, making every decision in Mahadev’s name and ruling not for power, but as a servant of Mahadev.

When several major temples and Ghats were destroyed by the Mughals or left in ruins, she took responsibility to rebuild them, not just for worship but to protect the Hindu Dharma. She did not just stop  attempels and ghats, she also built roads, dharamshalas , water tanks, safe space for pilgrims, so people could travel with ease and perform their rituals.

Here are some of the temples and Ghats that Queen Ahilyabai Holkar restored and brought back with her deep devotion.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Varanasi

It is one of the  most sacred temples in India, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple had been demolished during the foreign invasions. In 1780, Rani AhilyabaiHolkar, rebuilt it using her own resources. She brought back one of the most important Jyotirlinga, and her contribution is still honoured at the temple with a statue near the main entrance.

Grishneshwar Temple – Ellora, Maharashtra

Situateds near the Ellora caves, this temple is the twelfth Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. When it fell into ruin, Ahilyabai ordered its complete reconstruction in stone. She made sure that it was build with strength, and that it once again became a space of worship. Grishneshwar continues to be a vibrant pilgrimage site today.

Mahakaleshwar Temple – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

It is one of the holiest cities in India, the Mahakaleshwar Temple received special attention from Ahilyabai. She helped and provided resources to renovate and maintain the temple and ensuring daily worship was properly carried out.

Vishnupad Temple – Gaya, Bihar

This temple is  believed to have the  Lord Vishnu’s footprint,and it is a major site for performing ancestral rituals. Rani Ahilyabairestored its structure and brought order to its rituals. She also supported facilities for pilgrims, making the temple a cleaner and more organised place for spiritual practices.

Ramanathaswamy Temple – Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

Even from her kingdom in central India,Ahilyabai extended support to this sacred temple in the south. She contributed to its maintenance and preservation, which showed her belief that every holy site no matter how far deserved care and protection. Her efforts helped keep spiritual traditions alive across the subcontinent.

Dwarkadhish Temple – Dwarka, Gujarat

She contributed to rebuilt Lord Krishna’s  temple in Dwarka, ensuring that religious practices keep going without interruption.

Somnath Temple – Gujarat

After being attacked and left in ruins multiple times, Somnath stood as a symbol of resilience. Rani Ahilyabai was among the first to restart the  daily worship here. Though the grand reconstruction happened later, her early support played a key role.

Ahilyeshwar Mahadev Temple – Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh

Built by Ahilyabai herself in her capital city, Maheshwar, this temple reflects her personal devotion to Lord Shiva. It is near the Narmada River, and it is known for its calm atmosphere and fine stone carvings.

Ghats Built or Renovated by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar

Ahilya Ghat – Varanasi

As part of her efforts to revive Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ahilyabai also built the Ahilya Ghat on the banks of the Ganga. This gave pilgrims a clean and a structured place to bathe before entering the temple. Even today, it remains one of the well maintained ghat in Varanasi.

Manikarnika Ghat – Varanasi

Ahilyabai helped to restore this ancient cremation ghat, which is believed to be one of the oldest in India. She wanted every sacred ritual  including the last rites of the person  to be performed with respect.

Ahilya Ghat – Maheshwar

Located in her capital city by the banks of the Narmadariver , this ghat was designed with peace and purpose. It served both the spiritual needs of pilgrims and the daily lives of locals. It is Surrounded by temples. the ghat still carries her name and her legacy.

Rajwada & Peshwa Ghats – Maheshwar

Under her rule, Maheshwar developed into a centre of culture and devotion. These ghats were part of her plan to make the town a welcoming place for spiritual seekers. They offered spaces for prayeranddaily  ritual beside the Narmada River.

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