Ahilyabai Holkar Jayanti: 300 Women Perform Shivling Anushthan in Spiritual Tribute

Celebrate Ahilyabai Holkar Jayanti 2025 with a special spiritual tribute at Indore’s Rajwada, honoring the great queen’s life and her inspiring work for justice and women’s empowerment.

On 31st May 2025, the historic Rajwada Palace in Indore echoed with devotion and pride as the Holkar Royal Family, along with the Khasgi Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Charitable Trust and Holkar Cultural Centre, came together to celebrate the 300th birth anniversary of one of India’s most beloved and visionary queens — Devi Ahilyabai Holkar.

In a beautiful tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar’s strong love for Lord Shiva, 300 women came together to perform the Parthiv Shivling Anushthan in the courtyard of the Malhari Martand Temple, inside the Rajwada Palace. In this ceremony, clay Shivlings are made and worshipped. It symbolizes purity, devotion, and sacrifice—qualities that were very important in the life and legacy of Devi Ahilyabai.

The Life and Legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar

Ahilyabai Holkar was born on 31 May 1725 in the village of Chondi, which is now in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. She was a woman ahead of her time. Even though she didn’t get formal schooling, her father, Mankoji Shinde, who was a village leader, taught her how to read and write. When she was just 8 years old, she got married to Khande Rao Holkar, the son of Malhar Rao Holkar, a powerful leader in the Maratha Empire.

Ahilyabai went through many hard times early in her life. She lost her husband when she was just 21 years old. Later, her son and father-in-law also died. In those days, widows were often treated badly—they had to live alone or were expected to do Sati (burn themselves on their husband’s funeral pyre). But Ahilyabai did not accept this. With great courage and strong faith, she took charge of the Holkar kingdom and became one of the most respected rulers in India’s history.

Ahilyabai Holkar Contributions and Achievements

During her rule from 1767 to 1795, Ahilyabai Holkar made Indore a thriving center for culture, trade, and spirituality. She was a very religious and wise queen who:

Ahilyabai built hundreds of temples across India, including well-known ones like Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Somnath Temple in Gujarat, and Vishnu Temple in Mathura.

She also built roads, rest houses called Dharamshala, and water tanks to help travelers and traders.

She supported women’s rights, encouraged education for girls, and made sure everyone got fair justice.

Every day, she listened to the problems of her people, showing how much she cared and was involved as a leader.

Govt Sanctions ₹681 Crore for Ahilyabai Holkar Memorial

Ahilyabai Holkar was known for her smart leadership and strong honesty. She is one of the few rulers admired by both Indian and British historians. Her story still inspires many people today, especially women leaders.

To honor her great contributions, the Maharashtra Government has announced a big budget of Rs 681 crore. This money will be used to preserve and develop her birthplace in Chondi, keeping her legacy alive for future generations.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar confirmed that the Planning Department has approved this fund, which will be used to:

Develop the Smriti Sthal (memorial site) with historical accuracy and traditional architecture.

Establish museums, research centers, and spiritual hubs dedicated to her life and teachings.

Promote tourism and cultural awareness around Ahilyabai’s legacy.

The project is expected to be completed by 31 May 2028, marking a new chapter in preserving India’s rich spiritual and historical heritage. Only archaeologically skilled experts and heritage institutions will be allowed to execute the plan to ensure authenticity.

 Ahilyabai Holkar Jayanti: A Celebration of Dharma

The Ahilyabai Holkar Jayanti 2025 is not just a celebration of a historical figure; it is a revival of the values she stood for—justice, compassion, devotion, and good governance. The ceremony at Rajwada was very special. 300 women performed the Shivling Anushthan. This shows the strong spiritual power of Ahilyabai Holkar.

India is remembering this great queen. Her life still guides people today. She supported women's education and empowerment. Her story inspires the whole nation. People still call her Lokmata — the mother of the people.