Dhar: Building History, Temples and Traditions

Dhar brings together historic architecture, religious sites, named ponds and a seasonal procession with a regional food tradition. You can get to know the city from different perspectives: through its architectural history, its temples or its local cuisine. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Dhar, first consider which of these themes you would like to shape your stay.

Architectural history in the mosque, mahal and fort

Lat Masjid was built in 1405 by Dilawar Khan, the governor of the province of Malwa. It was named after the large iron pillar that was erected on its grounds at the time. The windows and pillars are decorated with engravings; its architecture combines Mughal and Rajput styles. Its date, the history of its name and its design each offer a different starting point for exploring the building.

Kharbooja Mahal can also be explored through specific architectural details: the building has two storeys, with seven rooms on the lower floor and four on the upper floor. This means there are three more rooms on the lower floor than on the upper floor. This simple comparison makes the layout tangible without assigning an unsubstantiated use to any of the individual rooms.

The Dhar Museum is located within Dhar Fort and preserves archaeological remains from various periods. Alongside the architecture, this offers another way to explore the city’s history: through archaeological remains preserved from several different periods.

Temples and seasonal traditions

Dhareshwar Temple is in the centre of Dhar and is the city’s most important Shiva temple. The old Hindu Gadh-Kalika Temple, by contrast, is on a hill near Devi-Sagar Pond. The descriptions of their locations emphasise different features: one temple in the centre, the other on a hill near a pond. This can help you define your travel interests more precisely.

During the Sawan month in the rainy season, the Sawari of Lord Dharnath passes through Dhar; it is also known as Chhabina. This tradition links a religious occasion to a specific time of year. If you would like to include the procession in your plans, bear in mind that it takes place during the Sawan month and check the dates before travelling.

The city’s main ponds include Munj, Devisagar, Dhoop, Sitapath, Purniya, Lendiya, Natnagar, Siddanath, Chausath Yogini and Mussorie. Some of these ponds have since disappeared. The named ponds are another facet of the city’s history, alongside its buildings and religious sites.

Art and food culture in Dhar

The Phadke Art Studio in Dhar houses several sculptures by Raghunath Krishna Phadke, as well as reproductions of his works. Sculpture is another subject to explore alongside temples and historic buildings. Daal Bati or Bafla is a traditional dish from Dhar, popular in both urban and rural areas. For travellers interested in regional food culture as well as architectural history and religious traditions, it is a tangible part of the local character.

Getting there and planning your stay

Dhar has no railway station. The nearest railway station is in Indore, 60 km from Dhar. If you are planning to travel by train, take the station’s location into account early and check the details before setting off.

For families, it can be helpful to agree on your travel interests together before looking for a holiday apartment. Would you like to plan your trip mainly around historic buildings, religious sites, the seasonal tradition or the local food culture? These priorities give your choice of location a personal framework, without assuming that any particular location or accommodation will suit every trip.

For the broader travel overview: Dhar.