On my recent visit to Begusarai, Bihar, to celebrate the vibrant and spiritually emotional festival of Chhath Pooja, I had the opportunity to visit the iconic Vishnupad Temple in Gaya. This journey was more than a pilgrimage; it was a deeply inspiring experience that gain connected me to the legacy of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar, the visionary Maratha queen who rebuilt this sacred space in 18th century. Walking through the temple’s grounds, I could feel the spirit of Punyashlok Ahilyabai – her commitment to inclusivity, devotion, and reverence for nature resonated strongly.
Visionary Queen Who Went Beyond Her Kingdom, Honouring Samajik Samrasta at Vishnupad Temple
Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar was more than a ruler; she was a true reformer with an unwavering spiritual vision. Widowed at a young age, she took up the reigns of the Malwa kingdom and led with resilience, wisdom, and a profound commitment to the welfare of her people. Known for her patronage of temples and her efforts to unite people across caste and class divides, Ahilyabai’s construction of the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya was a testament to her belief that spirituality should transcend social boundaries.
Chhath Pooja: A Festival of Gratitude, Environment and Family Well-Being
In conversation with the temple priests, I learned about a folktale that Punyashlok Ahilyabai herself witnessed Chhath Pooja celebrations during her time in the region. Her admiration for the festival wasn’t just a ceremonial gesture; it reflected her deep respect for a tradition that promotes unity, social inclusivity, and environment protection.
Chhath Pooja, one of India’s oldest and most revered festivals, is celebrated with devotion primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. The festival is a time when people honor the Suryadev God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, in gratitude for health, prosperity, and well-being. During this festival, devotees observe rigorous fasting and offer simple yet meaningful items like seasonal fruits and Thekua (a traditional cookies made from wheat and jaggery) to the Suryadev. This festival underscores the importance of small-scale industries, as local artisans produce most of the essential Chhath Puja items. From handcrafted goods to festive attire, the increased demand not only generates new employment but also strengthens cottage industries, breathing life into India’s local economies.
Chhath Pooja requires no elaborate rituals or priestly intervention, making it accessible to people across caste and economic lines. The festival encourages devotees to gather by rivers, ponds, and water bodies, fostering a connection with nature and a collective spirit of gratitude.
Chhath Pooja requires no elaborate rituals or priestly intervention, making it accessible to people across caste and economic lines. The festival encourages devotees to gather by rivers, ponds, and water bodies, fostering a connection with nature and a collective spirit of gratitude.
Ahilyabai Holkar’s Support for Chhath Pooja – A Symbol of Progressive Thinking
Ahilyabai Holkar’s appreciation for Chhath Pooja went beyond admiration. She understood the profound power of this festival to unite communities and respect the environment. Her efforts to support spaces like Vishnupad Temple were driven by her belief that festivals like Chhath could act as a bridge, connecting people across diverse backgrounds in a shared expression of faith and environmental awareness. In her time, Ahilyabai recognized that the well-being of society was deeply linked to the health of the natural world, a belief that resonates even more strongly today. By supporting and revitalising places like Vishnupad Temple, she provided a gathering space where people could celebrate festivals like Chhath, promoting both social inclusivity and reverence for the environment.
Her approach was progressive and inclusive, advocating for traditions that honored nature and encouraged social unity. For Punyaslok Ahilyabai, temples and festivals were more than cultural practices; they were opportunities to foster a sense of shared humanity and responsibility toward the environment.
Legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar: A Timeless Message for Today
Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar’s legacy is more than the physical structures she left behind; it is a profound message of compassion, unity, and sustainability. As I join the Chhath Pooja celebrations for year 2024, surrounded by people of all backgrounds gathered in devotion along the riverbanks, I couldn’t help but feel the impact of her vision. Her life teaches us that true leadership is about fostering traditions that unite people, protect nature, and inspire future generations to act with reverence for the world around us.Today, as on November 5th, 2025 we begin the celebration of Chhath Pooja and honour the Suryadev God, we carry forward Ahilyabai’s vision of a society where faith, equality, and environmental respect are interwoven. Her life reminds us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage while addressing the modern challenges of environmental preservation and social inclusiveness. In honouring Ahilyabai’s legacy, we acknowledge a queen whose
ideals continue to resonate—a ruler who saw festivals as a force for unity and sustainability, a message as relevant today as it was in her time.
“In honouring nature, we honor ourselves; in serving humanity, we serve the divine.”
