Indore (Madhya Pradesh): To mark the 300th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the Royal Holkar Family, in collaboration with the Khasgi Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Charitable Trust and the Holkar Cultural Centre, organised a spiritual tribute at the historic Rajwada Palace on Friday.
The event was graced by descendants of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar and members of the Royal Holkar family, including Prince Yashwant Rao Holkar, who led the Abhishek and Aarti rituals. Other notable attendees included Richard Holkar, Vijendra Ghadge, and Padma Shri awardee Bhalu Monde. Descendants of Sardars (commanders) who once served under Devi Ahilyabai were also specially invited.
In a gesture of devotion and heritage, 300 women from the Kshatriya Pal Dhangar community crafted 300 Parthiv Shivlings (clay Shivlings) and performed a special Pujan and Abhishek in the courtyard of the Malhari Martand Temple, located in Rajwada —symbolic of Ahilyabai Holkar’s unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva.
Prince Yashwant Rao Holkar, a member of Royal Holkar family performed the Abhishek of Parthiv Shiv linga, pujan and aarti. The ceremonies began with Gadi Poojan at 2:45 PM, followed by floral tributes at the statue of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar.
Speaking at the event, Yuvraj Yashwant Rao Holkar said, “On this sacred occasion, we seek the blessings of Lord Shiva to honour the memory of Ma Saheb Ahilyabai Holkar. The crafting of 300 Parthiv Shivlings by women is a tribute to her legacy of devotion, simplicity, and empowerment. It sends a message that true homage lies in service to society and upholding her values.”
