Saas-Bahu Temple is in Nagda! And no, it’s not a temple dedicated to saas-bahu dramas that dominate Indian television. It’s a temple dedicated to the beautiful relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Yes, you read that right!
Legend has it that King Mahipala of the Kachchhwaha Dynasty got this temple built in the 10th or 11th century AD for his queen, who was a devout worshipper of Lord Vishnu. He was such a doting husband that he wanted his beloved wife to worship her favorite Lord in peace. Aww, isn’t that sweet?
Later, when their son got married, another temple was constructed for his wife, who was a worshipper of Lord Shiva. So, the Saas-Bahu Temple became a cluster of ten small shrines, with the larger temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the smaller one to Lord Shiva.
Now, let’s talk about the temple itself. The Saas-Bahu Temple, or the Sahastrabahu Temple, as it was originally called, is located about 20 km from Udaipur and is known for its splendid architecture. The temple complex comprises two temples facing east, with smaller shrines surrounding each one.
The intricate carvings on the walls, pillars, and roofs of the temple are absolutely breathtaking. You’ll find carvings of various deities and scenes from mythology, including Lord Ram, Lord Balram, Parashurama, and Goddess Saraswati. And, of course, the temple of the mother-in-law has an archway in the front where Lord Vishnu is kept during special occasions.
Unfortunately, due to the ravages of time and the invasions of cruel conquerors, a significant portion of the temple is still in ruins. But even in its dilapidated state, the temple structure is still impressive and awe-inspiring.
And did you know that the temple has made it to the list of the most amazing heritage monuments found in India by the Archaeological Survey of India? Yep, it’s that impressive.