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
Visiting Timing: Daily, 5 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Architectural Style: Blend of Hindu ancient architecture
Best Time to Visit Sahastra Bahu Temple: September to March
Sahastra Bahu Temple Udaipur
Sas-Bahu Temple is a 10th-century temple complex as well as is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 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.
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
- 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
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?
Saas Bahu Temple is not a popular visitor spot in the list of Rajasthan Tour. The nearby airport to the Sahastra Bahu Temples is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur. The closest railway station is that of Udaipur railway station. From the airport as well as the railway station, it is suitable for the tourists to take the private or public buses. They can even take the cab or taxis. A good bet is to stop over here while you get on your way to the famous Eklingji Temple. The place is situated 2 kilometers off NH 8 in Town Nagda, best connected by cab.
Distance from Nearby Places:
Distance from Udaipur: 23km
Distance from Nathdwara: 30km
Distance from Eklinji Temple: 1.5km
Distance from Shri Krishna Temple: 8.3 km
Distance from Hanuman Mandir: 5.5 km
Travel Tips for Saas Bahu Temple Udaipur
- Plan a trip to the old Eklinji Temple and check out the Saas Bahu Temple as well as Vaishnavite shrine in Nathdwara on the exact same day.
- You can prepare to stay in Nathdwara or any kind of hotel near the Saas Bahu and Eklinji Temple.
- Carry your cameras along for picturesque captures as the site is situated near a lake in the middle of the beauty of nature.
- Ensure you co-ordinate the timings of each temple before visiting.
