Baneshwar Temple, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh

Baneshwar Temple, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh

Baneshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Maheshwar Town in Maheshwar Tehsil in Khargone District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on a riverine island of Narmada river. It is believed that this temple is located on the meridian connecting the centre of the earth with the Dhruva (the pole star). 

Legends

As per legend, Banasura wished to install a Shiva Linga at the centre point of the earth and perform penance on Lord Shiva. When he wished to know the location of the center point of the earth, Goddess Bhoodevi revealed this location to Banasura. Banasura installed a Shiva Linga at this location and made the entire area into a small island. Then, he spent several years in penance on this island. It is said that not a single drop of water from Narmada river fell on him during his penance.

History

The temple is believed to have been built in 5^th century CE and later extensively renovated by Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar of Holkar dynasty.  It is said that Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar used to come to the temple in the early hours of the morning in a special boat to worship Lord Shiva. Ahilya Bai Holkar (31 May 1725 – 13 August 1795) established Maheshwar as the seat of Holkar Dynasty. Ahilya Bai was a great pioneer and builder of Hindu temples who constructed hundreds of temples and Dharmashalas throughout India. She is specially renowned for refurbishing and reconsecrating some of the most sacred sites of Hindu pilgrimage that had been desecrated & demolished in the previous century by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

The Temple

The temple is situated on a small island in the middle of the Narmada River. This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple can be reached after climbing flight of steps. The temple consists of sanctum and vestibule. Nandi can be seen in the platform facing towards the sanctum. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Baneshwar in the form of Shiva Linga within circular yonipitha.

The sanctum is crowned with a curved pyramidal style shikara. The exterior of the wall is devoid of any decoration except few carvings. There is a panel depicting a man riding on an elephant back fighting the mythological yali at the exterior of the temple. The triangular walls of the temple is an excellent example of ancient technique which protects the temples from the sharp currents.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Maheshwar Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Mandleshwar, 23 Kms from Khalghat, 39 Kms from Mandu, 51 Kms from Barwaha Railway Station, 56 Kms from Khargone, 67 Kms from Omkareshwar, 94 Kms from Indore Airport and 96 Kms from Indore. The temple is situated on Mandleshwar to Khalghat route. The temple can be accessed only by boat from the ghat.

Location