Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar is a shining symbol of Hindu resilience, devotion, and cultural renaissance in 18th-century Bharat. Born on 31 May 1725 in the humble village of Chondi in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district, she rose to become one of Bharat’s most revered warrior-queens. At a time when countless Hindu shrines had been desecrated or destroyed by foreign invasions and internal chaos, Ahilyabai emerged as a divine force determined to restore the spiritual glory of Hindu Dharma. Her governance was not merely political but profoundly dharmic, rooted in compassion, righteousness, and an unwavering commitment to protect Hindu sacred spaces.
As the ruler of the Malwa kingdom, she defied every social barrier imposed on women of her era and led from the front. After the deaths of her husband, Khanderao Holkar, and father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar, Ahilyabai took over the reins of the kingdom in 1767. Far from being a mere figurehead, she proved her mettle by directly administering justice, personally leading military campaigns when necessary, and ensuring prosperity and order. However, beyond administration, her most sacred mission became the revival of Hindu temples that had suffered centuries of neglect or destruction. She mobilized royal resources not for personal grandeur but to restore Bharat’s religious and civilizational soul.
Ahilyabai’s legacy is immortalized in stone and sanctity, she constructed and restored hundreds of temples, ghats, wells, and dharamshalas across Bharat. From Kashi to Somnath, from Rameshwaram to Gaya, her touch revitalized some of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage centers. These were not mere architectural projects but acts of national and spiritual reclamation. Her vision was rooted in the protection of Dharma, and her life remains a testament to what righteous Hindu leadership can achieve in times of cultural erosion. Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar was not only a builder of temples but a restorer of Bharat’s sacred geography, a warrior queen who rebuilt Bharat’s soul, one shrine at a time.
The Maratha Rani who rebuilt Hindu temples and brought Kashi Vishwanath back to life
On December 13, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the much-anticipated Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi—a monumental step in restoring the sacred city’s ancient spiritual grandeur. The sprawling corridor, connecting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the Ganga ghats, marks a new chapter in temple revitalization and preservation of Hindu Dharma’s heritage. But in doing so, PM Modi also rekindled the memory of the legendary figures who had once safeguarded Kashi’s sanctity, foremost among them, the Maratha warrior queen Ahilyabai Holkar.
During the grand inauguration, Prime Minister Modi paid floral tributes to historical icons like Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar and Maharaja Ranjit Singh, acknowledging their pivotal roles in rebuilding the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. “The contribution of Mata Ahilyabai Holkar in restoring the temple is truly remarkable,” PM Modi said, also noting how Maharaja Ranjit Singh later sent 23 men (approximately 920 kg) of gold to adorn the temple shikhar. Modi emphasized that the last significant expansion of the Kashi Vishwanath complex was carried out by Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century, and now after over two centuries, the corridor project marks another historic moment in the temple’s legacy.
But the tributes were not limited to words alone. As a gesture of deep respect, a statue of Ahilyabai Holkar was installed in the newly expanded temple premises, adorned with flowers for the occasion. Posters of the revered queen were prominently displayed across the campus, honoring her as a true restorer of Dharma. Though Ahilyabai is credited with building and renovating hundreds of temples, ghats, pilgrimage centres, and dharamshalas throughout Bharat, her reconstruction of the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple in 1776 remains her most iconic and celebrated achievement.
The temple had stood for centuries as a beacon of Hindu devotion before becoming a prime target of destruction under Mughal rule. In 1669, Emperor Aurangzeb, driven by Islamic fanaticism, ordered the demolition of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple. His decree described the temple as a place where “foolish pundits teach evil knowledge from junk books,” and thus, it was desecrated and replaced by what is now known as the Gyanvapi Mosque. This act of cultural and spiritual aggression was meant to erase the sacred Hindu identity of the land.
However, nearly a century later, it was Ahilyabai Holkar who stepped forward with the resolve and resources to reclaim the lost pride of Kashi. In 1776, she commissioned the reconstruction of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple at its present location, breathing new life into a symbol of Hindu resilience. Her efforts ensured that the sacred jyotirlinga of Shiva once again received the veneration it rightfully deserved. Later in the 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh contributed further by plating the temple’s spire with gold, enhancing its majestic presence.
Ahilyabai Holkar’s unparalleled devotion and legacy continue to shine, not just in historical memory but in living monuments that endure across Bharat. She was not only a queen but a true dharmarakshika—the preserver of Hindu Dharma’s physical and spiritual spaces.
Ahilyabai Holkar and the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple
The Somnath Temple, situated in Prabhas Patan, Gir Somnath district of Gujarat, is one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas of Bhagwan Shiva and holds immense spiritual and historical importance. Over the centuries, this sacred temple has been repeatedly targeted and destroyed by foreign invaders, including Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 AD, Alauddin Khilji’s forces in the 13th century, the Portuguese in the 16th century, and later by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1702 AD. Each attack led to extensive damage, attempting to erase the temple’s spiritual and cultural identity.
It was only in the 18th century, under the guidance and patronage of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, that the Somnath Temple witnessed a revival. Deeply moved by the ruined condition of the site, Ahilyabai personally financed the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple in 1783 AD, using funds from her own treasury. Instead of restoring the temple at its exact historical location, which was still under threat or restricted, she chose a nearby site and constructed a new shrine, which is known today as the ‘Old Somnath Temple’ or ‘Ahilyabai Mandir’. This temple continues to be a significant place of pilgrimage and reverence.
According to local legends and oral traditions, Ahilyabai had a vision in a dream that urged her to rebuild the temple. Upon arriving at the site, she was reportedly so shocked and heartbroken by the desolation that her eyes turned pale with distress. Determined to preserve the sanctity of the place, she is said to have secretly installed a Shiva Lingam in an underground chamber, where it would remain hidden and protected from future desecration. This act reflected the foresight and deep devotion with which she approached the temple’s restoration.
Locals and guides from nearby Veraval, such as Sanjay Vyas, often recount to visitors that the original Shivling at Somnath used to “swing in the air,” a reference to its unique architectural placement, which was destroyed during Ghazni’s invasion. As a result, the post-invasion efforts often involved building shrines underground or using concealed chambers to safeguard religious symbols from looters. Ahilyabai’s temple ushered in a period of relative peace for the shrine, withstanding the test of time and undergoing only minor renovations over the years.
Ahilyabai Holkar’s temple remains about 200 meters from the current Somnath temple complex, and stands as a testament to her vision, courage, and devotion. Despite being a female ruler in a patriarchal age, she achieved what many kings and administrators failed to do: restoring the pride of one of Hindu Dharma’s holiest sites. She ruled from 1767 to 1795, and throughout her reign, she prioritized both governance and the revival of sacred spaces, Somnath being one of the most prominent.
Her efforts laid the groundwork for future restorations of Somnath, including the more recent reconstructions in independent Bharat. Yet, it was Ahilyabai’s act of personal sacrifice and initiative in the 18th century that ensured the survival of the site’s spiritual identity, marking her not only as a ruler but as a guardian of Hindu dharma and temple heritage.
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Nashik
Ahilyabai Holkar played a pivotal role in the revival of the Trimbakeshwar Temple, located near Nashik, Maharashtra, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Bhagwan Shiva. In the 18th century, when the temple had fallen into neglect due to centuries of invasions and lack of patronage, Ahilyabai undertook its extensive repair and restoration. She personally oversaw the rebuilding of the shrine, ensuring the sanctity of the Jyotirlinga was preserved while enhancing the temple’s architectural glory. Under her patronage, the temple emerged once again as a vibrant center of Shaiva devotion and a beacon of Hindu resilience and continuity. Her efforts ensured that rituals and Vedic traditions resumed uninterrupted, reviving Trimbakeshwar as a powerful spiritual and pilgrimage hub.
Vitthal Temple, Pandharpur (Solapur)
In Pandharpur, the sacred abode of Bhagwan Vitthal and Rukmini, Ahilyabai Holkar left an indelible mark through her deep devotion and generous contributions. The diamond-studded crown adorning the murti of Bhagwan Vitthal to this day was a personal offering from the queen, an act that symbolized her bhakti (devotion) and unwavering dedication to Hindu Dharma. She also established a Tulsi Vrindavan (sacred garden) within the temple premises and commissioned the construction of a grand gateway, elevating the temple’s stature architecturally and spiritually. By promoting Vaishnava worship traditions and enriching the temple’s cultural aura, Ahilyabai ensured that Pandharpur flourished as Maharashtra’s heartland of devotion, with pilgrims visiting from all corners of Bharat.
Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek (Ahmednagar)
The Siddhivinayak Temple at Siddhatek, part of the sacred Ashtavinayak Yatra, stands tall today because of Ahilyabai Holkar’s vision and piety. In an age when temples were still recovering from the devastation of previous centuries, Ahilyabai commissioned the construction of this magnificent Ganesha shrine on the serene banks of the Bhima River in the late 18th century. Her initiative not only revived worship at this remote site but also ensured that it became accessible and revered by devotees far and wide. Her contributions made Siddhatek a permanent fixture on the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage circuit, reaffirming the glory of Bhagwan Ganapati worship in Maharashtra.
Parli Vaijnath Temple (Beed)
The ancient Vaijnath Jyotirlinga in Parli, Beed district, is among the holiest Shiva temples in Bharat. In 1706 AD, Punyashlok Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar undertook its grand renovation, breathing new life into this sacred space. At a time when the temple’s structure was deteriorating, she took it upon herself to restore the sanctum, temple premises, and surrounding infrastructure, reviving religious activity and public devotion. Her efforts reaffirmed the site’s stature as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple (Pune)
Nestled in the Sahyadri hills, the Bhimashankar Temple is another Jyotirlinga that owes its present grandeur to Ahilyabai Holkar’s tireless efforts. Between 1767 and 1795 AD, she funded and supervised the renovation of the temple complex, reviving both its spiritual and architectural legacy. Recognizing the hardships faced by pilgrims in the remote hilly terrain, she established an Annadan Kendra (food distribution center) to ensure that no devotee went hungry. Ahilyabai’s efforts not only preserved an ancient seat of Shaiva worship but also brought dignity and accessibility to worshippers. She reestablished Bhimashankar as a living tirtha (pilgrimage center), where Shiva’s energy could be felt undiminished.
Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple (Aurangabad)
The Ghrishneshwar Temple, located near the famed Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, was once rebuilt by Maloji Bhosale, grandfather of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in the 16th century. However, it was Ahilyabai Holkar who, in the 18th century, undertook a second and significant restoration that secured the temple’s long-term future. During her reign, she not only strengthened the temple structure but also reestablished its religious rituals, festivals, and pilgrim facilities. Her contributions revitalized Ghrishneshwar as the twelfth and final Jyotirlinga, reinforcing its divine importance in the Shaiva tradition. Ahilyabai’s actions complemented the Maratha legacy of protecting Hindu temples and made her a key figure in rebuilding the sacred Hindu landscape of Maharashtra.
Kedarnath Dham
One of Ahilyabai’s most historic achievements was the reconstruction of Kedarnath Dham, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Bhagwan Shiva, nestled in the high Himalayas. During her reign from 1767 to 1795, she took on the monumental task of restoring not only Kedarnath but also temples across Haridwar, Rishikesh, Gauchar, Uttarkashi, and Srinagar, ensuring that Bhagwan’s divine presence remained accessible to future generations of devotees. Her contribution revitalized this sacred circuit of Shaiva devotion.
Badrinath Dham – sheltering pilgrims of Bhagwan Vishnu
In Badrinath Dham, where Bhagwan Vishnu is worshipped, Ahilyabai Holkar built numerous dharamshalas and resting facilities for the thousands who undertook the treacherous yatra. At Devprayag, she established special rest houses for the poor, and in Gangotri, she commissioned nearly half a dozen dharamshalas to support weary pilgrims. Her foresight and care transformed these spiritual journeys into accessible, dignified acts of devotion.
Ayodhya – honoring Bhagwan Ram’s eternal abode
In Ayodhya, the birthplace of Bhagwan Ra, Ahilyabai Holkar constructed multiple temples, including the Sri Ram Mandir south of the Saryu River. Beyond temples, she developed vital pilgrimage infrastructure—Swarg Dwar, Surya Ghat, Nageshwar Temple, and dharamshalas. Notably, she established Ahilya Ghat, ensuring that Ayodhya remained not just a city of mythology, but of living worship and national spiritual pride.
Mathura-Vrindavan – reclaiming Krishna bhakti
In the land of Bhagwan Krishna, Ahilyabai Holkar undertook monumental works to revive Krishna Bhakti. She built the famous Bihari Temple, which remains a key center of devotion. She also restored sacred ghats like Chirharan Ghat and Kaliyadeh Ghat, directly associated with divine leelas of Bhagwan Krishna. These works reasserted the spiritual centrality of Mathura-Vrindavan in Bharatiya consciousness.
Puri Jagannath Temple complex
In the eastern coastal state of Odish, Ahilyabai contributed to the Jagannath Temple Complex, where Bhagwan Jagannath is revered. She constructed a new temple, built almshouses, and donated garden lands and orchards to maintain the sanctity and economic self-sufficiency of this vital pilgrimage center. Her involvement preserved this cornerstone of Vaishnava devotion in eastern Bharat.
Rameshwaram – reconstructing the southern Jyotirlinga
At the sacred site of Rameshwaram, a Jyotirlinga associated with Bhagwan Shiva and linked to Bhagwan Ram’s Ramayana yatra, Ahilyabai Holkar undertook massive renovation and reconstruction of the temple. She also built dharamshalas, water wells, and even established a Radha-Krishna temple for visiting pilgrims. Her touch reached the southern tip of Bharat, rejuvenating the link between Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
Gokarna Mahabaleshwar – spiritual beacon of the west coast
In Gokarna, where Bhagwan Shiva is worshipped as Mahabaleshwar, Ahilyabai rebuilt and beautified the Mahabaleshwar Temple, constructed rest houses, dharamshalas, alms houses, and provided for the service of priests and pilgrims. Her efforts turned this coastal temple town into a vibrant spiritual destination once again, securing the cultural and devotional sanctity of the region.
Not Just Temples—A Civilizational Restoration
Ahilyabai Holkar didn’t just build structures. She restored Dharma—the core of Bharatiya civilization. From pilgrimage rest houses in Gangotri to ghats in Ayodhya, and from shelters in Puri to wells in Rameshwaram, her projects were humanitarian and divine, political and pious. At a time when temples had been ravaged, their priests impoverished, and Bharatiya identity undermined, Ahilyabai stood as a lone pillar of spiritual sovereignty and Hindu resurgence.
From the icy Himalayas of Uttarakhand to the ocean-facing shrines of Tamil Nadu, Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar of the Maratha Malwa Empire left an immortal legacy of dharma, devotion, and architectural resurgence. Her tireless contributions to temple construction, dharamshalas, ghats, and rest houses weren’t merely acts of piety—they were bold, strategic efforts to revive Hindu Dharma during an era when temples had been looted, desecrated, or left in ruins after centuries of invasions.
