Sahasra Bahu Temples – Rajasthan

Address

Sahasra Bahu Temples Nagda, Rajasthan 313202

Diety

Shiva, Vishnu

Introduction

The Sahasra Bahu temples, commonly known as the Saas-Bahu Temples, in Nagda, Rajasthan, are a pair of late 10th-century temples dedicated to Veerabadra.

Location: The Saas-Bahu Temples are located in Nagda, Rajasthan, and they share a platform that faces a temple tank. The site is easily accessible by road, situated about 20 km from Udaipur, 2.7 km from the Shaivite shrine of Eklingji, and 30 km from the Vaishnavite shrine town of Nathdwara.
Architectural Significance: These temples are an outstanding example of late 10th-century architecture in the Māru-Gurjara style. They are built in the same style but have some differences in size and the number of subsidiary shrines. The name “Sahasra-Bahu” means “One with a thousand arms,” referring to a form of Vishnu. The temples are known for their architectural and historical importance and are listed as heritage monuments by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Puranic Significance: Nagda was once an important city of Mewar and possibly a capital of one of its rulers. The larger temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is said to have been built by King Mahipala of the Kachchhwaha Dynasty for his queen, who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Later, his son’s wife, a worshipper of Lord Shiva, had a temple dedicated to Shiva built right next to the Vishnu shrine. The collective name “Sahasra-Bahu” refers to the Vishnu temple, while both temples are popularly known as the Saas-Bahu Temples.
Special Features: The Saas-Bahu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is relatively larger than the one dedicated to Lord Shiva. The larger temple has an archway in the front space where the idol of Lord Vishnu is placed on special festivals. It features three doors facing different directions, with a fourth door in a room not accessible to the public. At the entrance of the temple, you can find idols of goddess Saraswati, Lord Brahma, and Lord Vishnu. However, parts of the temple complex have suffered damage over the years due to invasions and other factors.

The Saas-Bahu Temples in Nagda are not only architecturally fascinating but also carry a historical and cultural significance related to the worship of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. These temples continue to attract visitors interested in exploring the rich heritage of Rajasthan.