A temple is built in the name of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, know its interesting story

Sas Bahu Temple Udaipur : India is called the country of temples. Every temple here has a different identity due to its history, architecture and religious importance. Some temples are famous for their miraculous beliefs and some for their amazing architecture. Saas-Bahu Temple situated in Udaipur, Rajasthan is also one such historical temple, on hearing the name of which a question arises in everyone’s mind that how is it related to mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. The interesting thing is that neither mother-in-law nor daughter-in-law is worshiped in this temple. Yet this temple has been known by this name for centuries. The history of this temple, its carvings and the story of its naming make it one of the most interesting temples of India.

Where is Saas-Bahu Temple located?

Saas-Bahu Temple is located in an ancient town called Nagda, about 20 kilometers from Udaipur city of Rajasthan. Nagda was once the ancient capital of Mewar. Built amidst the Aravali hills and tranquil environment, this temple complex is no less than a treasure for history and art lovers. This place offers a wonderful combination of natural beauty and historical heritage.

When and who built this temple?

According to historians, Saas-Bahu Temple was built by Mewar ruler Maharana Mahipal in the 11th century. This temple is about a thousand years old and even today attracts people with its grandeur.

Historical reason for construction?

• King Mahipal’s wife was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, hence the huge Sahastrabahu (Vishnu) temple was first built for her.

• Later, when his son got married, his daughter-in-law was a devotee of Lord Shiva. A small Shiva temple was built for him in the premises itself.

After all, why was it named ‘Saas-Bahu’ temple?

The most interesting question is why this temple was named Saas-Bahu? Actually, the original name of this temple ‘Sahastrabahu Temple’ Is. In Sanskrit, ‘Sahastrabahu’ means “one with a thousand arms”. With time, in the conversation of the local people, the pronunciation of the word ‘Sahastrabahu’ changed and became ‘Saas-Bahu’. Gradually this name became so popular that today the entire temple complex is known by this name. That is, the name of this temple is not based on any family relationship, but on the corruption of the name of Lord Vishnu.

Which temples are there in the complex?

There are two main temples facing each other in the temple complex. The Bada Mandir is huge in size and is believed to have been built for the elder members of the family. The second temple is comparatively smaller. For this reason, local people started calling the big temple as “mother-in-law” and the small temple as “daughter-in-law”. With time this name became famous.

Why is the architecture of the temple so special?

Saas-Bahu Temple is considered an excellent example of ancient temple architecture of Rajasthan. The carvings done on the walls, pillars and roofs of the temple still amaze people. Gods and Goddesses, Apsaras, dancers, animals and mythological stories have been carved very minutely on the stones. The artistic figures and beautiful pillars on the roof of the pavilion reveal the amazing talent of the craftsmen of that time. Even without modern technology, such precise workmanship remains the center of attraction for people.

Why is it a special attraction for tourists?

This temple is very important not only from religious point of view but also from tourism point of view. The environment here is very calm and charming during morning and evening. The intricate carvings of the temple, the ancient structure and the surrounding natural scenery provide a wonderful experience for photography lovers. For people interested in history, culture and Indian architecture, this place is no less than a living museum. Every year thousands of domestic and foreign tourists come here to see its carvings and architecture.

Is worship still performed in Saas-Bahu temple?

Presently the Saas-Bahu Temple is a protected historical monument. As it is under ASI. The idols of the temple were badly damaged during foreign invasions during the medieval period. Therefore, today there is no regular religious worship here, rather tourists come here only to see the architecture and history.