Sas Bahu Temple

May 29, 2023

Sas Bahu Temple in Gwalior is a famous temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu by King Mahipala. Lord Vishnu is also known as Sahastrabahu, the one with many hands. But gradually the name changed into Sas Bahu Temple, perhaps by mispronunciation, or misinterpretation.

Lord Vishnu is supposed to be the preserver of this Universe. He keeps vigilance over this earth and if there is any disobedience among men, he punishes them. But he is also considered to be the most kind-hearted among the Hindu Gods, who come to help his followers under any circumstances.

At the Gate of the Sas Bahu Temple in Gwalior, there is a caption in Sanskrit. The doorway gives the view of the Indian Trinity, Lord Brahma, the creator, Lord Vishnu the Preserver, and Lord Shiva, or the Destroyer.

History of Sas Bahu Temple

Going by history, you have never come across a temple glorifying the relationship of Saas (mother-in-law) and Bahu (daughter-in-law). King Mahipala of the Kachchhwaha Dynasty got this temple constructed in the 10th or 11th century A.D. The Queen of Mahipala was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. The King was very kind and generous in his love for his beloved wife, and he got this temple constructed. He wanted her to worship her favored Lord Vishnu peacefully.

Later, when the prince got married, another temple was constructed for his wife, who was a worshipper of Lord Shiva. Thus, another temple was made to pay honor to Lord Shiva. The temple was built next to the Vishnu shrine for the daughter-in-law of the King.

Architecture of Sas Bahu Temple

Sahastra Bahu Temple is a cluster of five to ten smaller shrines of various Gods and Goddesses. The temple of the mother-in-law has an archway in the front space for keeping the idol of Lord Vishnu during special occasions. It has three doors facing three different directions. The fourth door is in a room closed for public access. At the entrance, you can find the idols of Goddess Saraswati, Lord Bramha, and Lord Vishnu. The intricate carvings and architecture of the temple are incredibly gorgeous and will leave a mark on you.

Unfortunately, due to the invasions of cruel conquerors of medieval times, a significant portion of the temple is still in ruins. However, even after the ravages of time, the temple structure is still very much admirable. The vast campus of the Sahastra Bahu Temple is stretched across 22 meters in breadth and 32 meters of land in length. Both the temples are facing east.

The walls of the temple have exclusive carvings dating back to the 10th century. The main entrance to the temples is from a standard door that is adorned with stunning carvings of lintels and a multi-lobed arch in the middle section.

You can also find the beautiful images of lord Balrama, Parashurama, and Lord Rama sculpted on different platforms. The sculptures are made in two steps with high precision and utmost care. You will be amazed to find the reason for this precision. This precision ensures that the first lane of sculptures encircles the other path. The two temples share the same altar or mandapa with standard projections and porch.

The Bahu temple has an octagonal ceiling with astonishing carvings of 8 intricate female figures. Ramayana inspires the carvings in the temple.

The Sahastra Bahu Temple has made it to the list of the Archaeological Survey of India under the category of most amazing heritage monuments found in India.