The Narmada river, considered most sacred by all Hindus, transverses the vast plains of central India

Its origin is near the temple-town Amarkantak in the Maikala hills

The holy town of Maheshwar was the capital of a powerful kingdom

Its lady-ruler, Queen Ahilyabai Holkar is revered by people for her benevolence

Her palace in Maheshwar

Numerous temples line the shores of the Narmada

Amarkantak

Raj Ghat near Badwani