Ahilya Ghat is a sacred and scenic place on the Narmada river, located near Omkareshwar Temple on Mandhata Island in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh. It is named after Ahilyabai Holkar, a famous queen and ruler of Malwa region in the 18th century. She was a devout follower of Shiva and built many temples and ghats along the Narmada river. Ahilya Ghat is a place of spirituality, culture, and beauty that attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. Visit Omkareshwar during One day trip from Indore and Bhopal
Ahilya Ghat Location/ Timing and Entry Fees
Ahilya Ghat is located on the north bank of the Narmada river, near Omkareshwar Temple on Mandhata Island in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh. The nearest railway station is Omkareshwar Road, which is about 12 km away from the temple. The nearest airport is Indore, which is about 77 km away from the temple. The ghat is open daily from sunrise to sunset. There is no entry fee for visitors.
Ahilya Ghat Things to Do / Must See
Ahilya Ghat is a must-see destination for anyone who wants to experience the sacred and serene atmosphere of the Narmada river. The ghat offers a panoramic view of the river and the surrounding hills. The ghat also has a statue of Ahilyabai Holkar that stands as a symbol of her devotion and legacy. The ghat is also a place where many religious and cultural activities take place, such as:
- Narmada Parikrama: A circumambulation of the Narmada river, which is considered as one of the seven holy rivers of India. The parikrama covers a distance of about 2600 km and takes about three years to complete. Many devotees undertake this parikrama as a form of penance and worship.
- Narmada Aarti: A ritual waving of lamps to the Narmada river, which is performed every evening at the ghat. The aarti is accompanied by chanting of hymns and prayers to the river goddess. The aarti is a spectacle of light and sound that creates a divine ambiance.
- Narmada Puja: A ritual offering of flowers, fruits, sweets, and coconut to the Narmada river, which is done by devotees to seek blessings from the river goddess. The puja is also done to express gratitude and reverence to the river that sustains life and culture.
- Shivlinga Puja: A ritual bathing of shivlingas (symbolic representations of Shiva) in the Narmada river, which is done by devotees to worship Shiva and seek his grace. The shivlingas are made of clay or stone and are immersed in the river after the puja.
How to Reach Ahilya Ghat
Ahilya Ghat can be easily reached by public transport or private vehicles. The nearest railway station is Omkareshwar Road, which is about 12 km away from the temple. From there, one can take a bus or a taxi to Omkareshwar Bus Stand, which is about 3 km away from the temple. Alternatively, one can take a boat ride from Omkareshwar Road or Mortakka Ghat to reach the temple island directly. The nearest airport is Indore, which is about 77 km away from the temple. From there, one can take a bus or a taxi to Omkareshwar Bus Stand or Omkareshwar Road.
Significance of Ahilya Ghat
Ahilya Ghat is one of the most significant places in Omkareshwar, as it reflects the faith and culture of the people who live by the Narmada river. The ghat is named after Ahilyabai Holkar, who was one of the most remarkable women rulers in Indian history. She was known for her piety, justice, generosity, and courage. She patronized many temples and ghats along the Narmada river and made them accessible to all people regardless of caste or creed. She also promoted art, literature, education, and trade in her kingdom.
- A: Ahilya Ghat is also significant for its location on the Narmada river, which is considered as one of the seven holy rivers of India. The river is said to have originated from the body of Shiva and flows through various sacred places such as Amarkantak, Maheshwar, and Omkareshwar. The river is also known for its parikrama (circumambulation), which is a holy and auspicious activity performed by devotees of Shiva and Narmada. The river is also believed to have the power to cleanse the sins and grant salvation to those who take a dip in it.
FAQs
- Q: Who was Ahilyabai Holkar?
- A: Ahilyabai Holkar was a queen and ruler of Malwa region in the 18th century. She was born in 1725 in a village near Pune. She was married to Khanderao Holkar, the son of Malhar Rao Holkar, the founder of the Holkar dynasty. After the death of her husband and father-in-law, she became the regent of Malwa in 1767 and ruled till her death in 1795. She was known for her piety, justice, generosity, and courage. She patronized many temples and ghats along the Narmada river and made them accessible to all people regardless of caste or creed. She also promoted art, literature, education, and trade in her kingdom.
- Q: What are the timings and entry fees of Ahilya Ghat?
- A: Ahilya Ghat is open daily from sunrise to sunset. There is no entry fee for visitors.
- Q: What are some other attractions near Ahilya Ghat?
- A: Ahilya Ghat is located near some other religious and historical places that are worth visiting, such as:
- Omkareshwar Temple: Another Jyotirlinga temple dedicated to Shiva, located on an island shaped like the symbol Om in the Narmada river opposite to Ahilya Ghat. It is also known as Omkareshwar or Omkar Mandhata Temple.
- Mamleshwar Temple: Another Jyotirlinga temple dedicated to Shiva, located on the south bank of the Narmada river opposite to Omkareshwar Temple. It is also known as Amleshwar or Amareshwar Temple.
- Siddhanath Temple: A 10th century temple dedicated to Shiva, located on a hill near Ahilya Ghat. It is known for its exquisite carvings and sculptures of various deities and scenes from Hindu mythology.
- Gauri Somnath Temple: A 11th century temple dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, located near Mamleshwar Temple. It is known for its huge shivlinga made of shining black stone.
- Omkar Mandhata Parikrama: A circumambulation of the island of Mandhata, covering a distance of about 7 km. It is considered as a holy and auspicious activity by devotees of Shiva and Narmada.
Conclusion
Ahilya Ghat is a sacred and scenic place on the Narmada river, located near Omkareshwar Temple on Mandhata Island in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh. It is named after Ahilyabai Holkar, a famous queen and ruler of Malwa region in the 18th century. She was a devout follower of Shiva and built many temples and ghats along the Narmada river. Ahilya Ghat is a place of spirituality, culture, and beauty that attracts pilgrims and tourists alike.
