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The lifestyles of two ancient Greek states, Sparta and Athens, were completely different. The people of Sparta preferred a military lifestyle, while the people of Athens were engaged in the advancement of arts and sciences. When Sparta attacked Athens, Athens lacked the courage and resources to counter Sparta’s military strength. As a result, Athens collapsed before Sparta.
During the 18th century, Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in central India was well aware of the fact that governing with justice and safeguarding both her state and religion required not only a mastery of arts, science, and philosophy but also the ability to wield a sword. Along with her philosophical insight, she was also skilled in military strategy. Her personality embodied both the military prowess and zeal of Sparta as well as the philosophical thinking and spirit of public welfare found in Athens. The social and religious work she undertook for Sanatan Dharma is incomparable.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is entering a new era of ‘Amritkal’. The revival of Hindu religious sites is taking place. The work being carried out today for the upliftment of Sanatan Dharma under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi has its roots connected to Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. The best example of this is the Kashi Shri Vishwanath Temple.
The world-famous Shri Vishwanath Temple was attempted to be demolished by the cruel and fanatical Mughal ruler Aurangzeb in 1669 AD. The Mughals and their
Her personality embodied both the military prowess and zeal of Sparta as well as the philosophical thinking and spirit of public welfare found in Athens. The social and religious work she undertook for Sanatan Dharma is incomparable
descendants tried every possible means to destroy this temple. However, time took its course, and the temple was rebuilt. This noble task was accomplished by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. In 1777 AD, she took the vow to reconstruct the temple and completed it in three years in a mission mode. This is why the people of Kashi still worship her as a goddess today.
In 1777 AD, she took the vow to reconstruct the temple and completed it in three years in a mission mode. This is why the people of Kashi still worship her as a goddess today
The process of rebuilding the temple continued further. Later, Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab had a golden canopy placed atop the Shri Vishwanath Temple. Now, the responsibility of the rejuvenation of Kashi rests on the shoulders of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who consistently remembers and honors the incomparable contributions of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar.
A statue of Ahilyabai Holkar has been installed in the premises of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, along with a plaque that narrates the full story of her contribution to the reconstruction of the temple. During the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, while remembering the contributions of Ahilyabai Holkar, remarked, “Kashi faced tyranny under Aurangzeb, and the temple was demolished here. It was Mata Ahilyabai Holkar who had it rebuilt. Just as Kashi is eternal, so too is her contribution eternal.”
Ahilyabai Holkar also had the Manikarnika Ghat constructed in Kashi. In fact, she had the Manikarnika Kund built, and the ghat was named after this kund. This ghat continues to enhance the beauty of Kashi even today. People visit this ghat and pay their respects to Ahilyabai with reverence.
Ahilyabai Holkar not only skillfully commanded the Malwa Empire for 28 years but also transformed her state into a center of knowledge, science, and art, while simultaneously turning it into a military power. Her exceptional administrative skills and a deep sense of public welfare made her immensely popular among the people.
Ahilyabai Holkar was born on May 31, 1725, in the village of Chondi in Jamkhed, Maharashtra, to Mankoji Shinde. Although she was born into a simple family, destiny had a great role planned for her. Recognizing her talent, Malhar Rao Holkar, the king of Malwa, married her to his son, Khanderao Holkar, in 1733.
Twelve years after her marriage, her husband Khanderao Holkar passed away.
However, Ahilyabai decided against committing Sati, as advised by her father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar. Instead, she received military and administrative training and went on to establish herself as a skilled warrior and ruler.
In 1766, after the death of Malhar Rao Holkar, Ahilyabai Holkar took charge of the Malwa kingdom and transformed it into a prosperous and powerful state. Her reign is considered exemplary in every regard. In 1849, poet Joanna Bailey wrote about her, “In later days, from the land of Brahma, came a great woman who ruled our land, whose heart was kind and whose fame was radiant—her name was Ahilyabai.”
Ahilyabai Holkar constructed temples and dharamsalas at many famous pilgrimage sites such as Kashi, Gaya, Somnath, Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Dwarka, Badrinath, Rameswaram, Jagannath Puri, and others. Due to her exceptional service, people began to worship her as a goddess during her lifetime.
(The writer is National Secretary,BJP)
“Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, while remembering the contributions of Ahilyabai Holkar, remarked, “Kashi faced tyranny under Aurangzeb, and the temple was demolished here. It was Mata Ahilyabai Holkar who had it rebuilt. Just as Kashi is eternal, so too is her contribution eternal.”