About Sas Bahu Temples
The Sas Bahu Temples, also known as Sahasra Bahu Temples, are a pair of late 10th-century Hindu temples located in Nagda village near Udaipur, Rajasthan. Dedicated to Virabhadra (a form of Vishnu), these twin shrines feature intricate Māru-Gurjara architecture with elaborate stone carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The larger Sas temple is surrounded by ten subsidiary shrines, while the smaller Bahu temple has four. Now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, the temples stand beside a water tank and showcase medieval architectural excellence despite partial ruins from historical invasions.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore two ancient temple structures with detailed stone carvings on walls, pillars, and ceilings. The site features a larger temple with a truncated shikhara and a smaller temple with a repaired octagonal ceiling. Intricate friezes depicting Ramayana scenes, lotus paintings on rooftops, and sculpted images of deities including Vishnu, Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha are visible. The temples share a platform facing a temple tank, with surrounding quieter rural landscape. As an ASI-protected monument, the site offers photography opportunities and architectural appreciation in a peaceful setting.
Key highlights
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Late 10th-century twin Hindu temples dedicated to Virabhadra (Vishnu)
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Intricate Māru-Gurjara architecture with elaborate stone carvings
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Elaborate friezes depicting scenes from the Ramayana
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Larger Sas temple surrounded by remains of ten subsidiary shrines
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Smaller Bahu temple with octagonal ceiling featuring eight female figures
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Protected monument under Archaeological Survey of India
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Lotus flower paintings visible on temple rooftops
History of Sas Bahu Temples
Built in the late 10th century (around 975 CE) during the rule of the Guhila dynasty, possibly by King Mahipala of the Kachchhwaha Dynasty. Nagda was once an important city and possibly a capital of Mewar. The temples were destroyed by Delhi Sultan Iltutmish in 1226 CE. The name 'Sahasra Bahu' means 'one with thousand arms', referring to Vishnu, which later became locally known as 'Sas Bahu' (mother-in-law and daughter-in-law).
Culture & Context
The temples represent harmonious family bonds between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law through their dual structure. They are important examples of Māru-Gurjara architectural style and showcase medieval Hindu temple art. The site holds significance as part of ancient Mewar's cultural heritage and is now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India as a monument of national importance.