Sahastra Bahu Temple Dr Uday Dokras

the one having a thousand arms’, a basic synonym for Lord Vishnu

Located in the lap of the Aravalli mountain range, there is a location of fantastic antiquity on the
midway between Udaipur as well as Nathdwara and next to Bagela Lake. The area is dotted with
scenic spots and also houses a group of 108 temples. The place, Nagda, was the very first capital
of Mewar rulers. The location was established by the Fourth Mewar King, Nagaditya in the 6th
Century, Nagda, a village known for its temples, located 23 kilometers to the North West of
Udaipur, continues to enthrall visitors from everywhere. Right here is situated a famous 10th-
century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu which is commonly known to as the’ Sahastra Bahu’
Temple (also known to as Saas-Bahu templeUdaipur).

Highlights of Sahastra Bahu Temple

Location of Sahastra Bahu Temple: Nagda in Rajasthan
When was it built: 10th century AD
Who built it: King Mahapala Singh
Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu
Architectural Style: Blend of Hindu ancient architecture

Great Kachhwa King Mahapala has constructed this temple. The term ‘Sas-Bahu’ recommends
‘Mother-in-law as well as Daughter-in-law’ respectively. However, it is probably simply a local
corruption of the original Sahastra-Bahu name, meaning ‘one with thousand arms’, and a form of
Vishnu.

History of Sahastra Bahu Temple

Going by the historical records, there are no temples committed to glorifying the saas (mother-
in-law) and also bahu (daughter-in-law). Rather, a particular king Mahapala of Kachchhwaha
Dynasty got them built sometime in the 10th or 11th century A.D.

Inside View
It is a commonly held belief that the queen of Mahapala was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. The king
was kind enough to get a temple made for his wife, where she could worship her favored deity.
Later, the royal prince got himself a wife that was a worshipper of Lord Shiva. Therefore, one
more temple of Lord Shiva was constructed right next to the Vishnu temple for the daughter-in-
law.

Because the temple of Lord Vishnu was built first, it was named Sahastrabahu Temple, meaning
‘the one having a thousand arms’, a basic synonym for Lord Vishnu. However, later on, the twin
temples were jointly called Sahastrabahu Temple. As time passed, the name got corrupted, as
well as the temple became to be popular as Saas-Bahu Temple due to the reason of its origin.
Apparently, the Saas temple is relatively larger than the various other shrines.

Interesting Facts about Sahastra Bahu Temple

 Temple
 It is believed that King Mahapala daughter-in-law was a follower and also a believer of Lord
Shiva as well as his wife was a follower of Lord Vishnu.
 As a result, the king of Kachchhwaha Empire decided to build two temples beside each other of
each lord.
 As these temples were adjacent, as well as developed for a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law
for that reason it was called Saas Bahu Temple. Saas represents mother-in-law in Hindi and also
Bahu means daughter-in-law.
 The interesting old style can be loved in the temple.
About Structure of the Sahastra Bahu Temples
Temple View
The primary entry of the temple is decorated by delicately carved lintels and a multi-lobed arch
in the middle. The roof of the temple is painted with the designs of the Lotus flower. Both the
temples are quite similar to each other as both are made of Granite and also have a shrine along
with a columned prayer hall called mandapa and also a porch. The ‘Bahu’ temple, which is
slightly smaller sized that the ‘Sas’ temple has an octagonal ceiling decorated with 8 delicately,
carved female figures.

Both the temples were built on a typical system as well as are eastern facing. The ‘Saas’ temple
holds a ‘torana’ (archway) in its front. The walls of the temple are decorated with various
incidents from the legendary Ramayana. The sculptures, which are made in 2 steps, are
organized in such a way that one encircles the other. The temple facility has 3 doors from 3
various directions as well as in the 4th direction located a room that usually remains shut for
travelers. On the entrance door, you can spot the idols of Goddess Saraswati, Lord Bhramha as
well as Lord Vishnu.

The temple has pictures of Lord Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu sculpted on one platform and images
of Rama, Balrama as well as Parashurama sculpted on another platform. It was built in the 10th
century AD by King Mahapala and also includes a cluster of temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The temples have survived the vagaries of weather and the flow of time as well as still remain
admirable for the beautiful architecture. The Sahastra Bahu temples also come under the list of
Heritage Monuments by Archaeological Survey of India.

How to reach Saas Bahu Temple Udaipur, Rajasthan?      

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