Kingdom of the Mahabharata
Mahishmati
माहिष्मती
Kingdom of Nila, protected by Agni
Mahishmati (Identified with modern Maheshwar on the Narmada, Madhya Pradesh): Kingdom of Nila, protected by Agni, located at coordinates 22.18°N, 75.58°E.
Key Facts
| Type | Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit name | माहिष्मती |
| Coordinates | 22.18°N, 75.58°E |
| Modern location | Identified with modern Maheshwar on the Narmada, Madhya Pradesh |
| Significance | Kingdom of Nila, protected by Agni |
About Mahishmati
The ancient Haihaya capital on the Narmada, ruled in epic times by King Nila. Sahadeva's southern digvijaya was halted here by the fire-god Agni, who protected the city, until Sahadeva propitiated him (Sabha Parva).
Why it matters: Kingdom of Nila, protected by Agni
Rulers and Custodians
- Kartavirya Arjuna (ancient)
- Nila
Details
- War
- Nila fought for the Kauravas and fell at Kurukshetra
On the Map
Mahishmati sits at 22.18°N, 75.58°E, in Identified with modern Maheshwar on the Narmada, Madhya Pradesh.
View on the full mapEvents at Mahishmati
- Sahadeva and the Fire of MahishmatiYear -29Marching south, Sahadeva's army is set ablaze at Mahishmati, where Agni himself protects King Nila. Sahadeva propitiates the fire god with prayer, winning both the city and Agni's favor.
Stories Set at Mahishmati
The Warrior With the Axe
Parashurama, Jamadagni, and the Long Vengeance
Sahadeva, the Silent Seer
Knowledge that could not save
The Sage Who Shot at the Sun
How the umbrella and the sandals came into the world
The King Who Was Made a Brahmana
Vitahavya, the Haihaya, and a word that changed a birth
Mahishmati, City Guarded by Fire
The Narmada capital of old power
The Conquest of the South
Sahadeva's road for the rajasuya
The Wind Answers the Thousand-Armed King
Kartavirya boasts, and an invisible voice begins to argue
The Fire That Loved a Princess
Why no army could take Mahishmati
The Three Sages Who Saved the Gods
Agastya burns the Danavas, Vashishtha brings down the Sarayu, and Atri becomes the moon and the sun
The King of the Fire City
Ashwatthama kills Nila of Mahishmati, and Arjuna kills three of Karna's brothers in his sight