Kaleshwar Temple, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh

Kaleshwar Temple, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh

Kaleshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Maheshwar Town in Maheshwar Tehsil in Khargone District in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is situated to the east of Jaleshwar Temple. The temple is situated at the confluence of Maheshwari river and Narmada river. This confluence is considered as Kalagni pilgrimage.

History

The temple is believed to have been built in 11^th century CE. The temple was extensively renovated by Devdas Mandlaoi in 1565 CE during the reign of Emperor Akbar of Mughal Dynasty as per the inscription found in this temple.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and situated on the eastern mound of Maheshwari river. The temple is enclosed within a fort like structure with an entrance gate. There are pedestals on both sides of the gate, which are devoid of idols. A peacock is carved on the top of the left side pedestal and a female figure is shown between and elephant couple on the right side. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and sabha mandapa. The sabha mandapa is supported by 22 pillars.

A parapet wall runs around the mandapa except the entrances. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Kaleshwar in the form of Shiva Linga within circular yonipitha. An image of four armed goddess Parvati can be seen behind the Shiva Linga. The shikara over the sanctum follows nagara style architecture. The shikara is carved with urushringas and amalaka. The exterior is devoid of any decoration except the niches.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Maheshwar Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Mandleshwar, 24 Kms from Khalghat, 41 Kms from Mandu, 48 Kms from Barwaha Railway Station, 54 Kms from Khargone, 64 Kms from Omkareshwar, 93 Kms from Indore Airport and 98 Kms from Indore. The temple is situated on Mandleshwar to Khalghat route. The temple can be accessed only by boat from the ghat.

Location