Credit: Manoher Dhakad
History
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Saas-Bahu Temple is a 10th-century temple that was built by the Great Kachhwa king Mahapala. It’s located in Nagda village on NH-8 in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan. It’s not far from Eklingji temple, which is located at a distance of 2.5 km from Eklingji temple. The name of the temple, Saas-Bahu,” means “Daughter-in-law.” It is located in the vicinity of the original Sahstra-Bahu name, which means “one with a thousand arms,” a form of Vishnu.
Architecture of Sahastra Bahu Temple
Carved lintels and a muti-lobbed arch in the middle of a door welcome visitors to the Sas-Bahu temple. Sas and Bahu temples are two structures that are laid out on the same plan. Sas temple is big in size and features ten subsidiary shrines and a Toran gateway from the front. Whereas the Bahu temple is more decorated from the inside. Octagonal Ceilings with eight intricate female figures adorn the temple. It’s believed that during ceremonial occasions, the image of Lord Vishnu swung from the Torans when hymns were in praise of the Lord.
Both temples are laid out on the same platform. Sas-bahu temple faces the east. Depicting scenes from the Ramayana, the temples are beautifully carved. The sculptures of the temples are made in two steps. Images of Lord Braham, Shiva, and Vishnu are showcased in the first step. While on the second step, Balarama, Parasuma, and Rama rest. Further enhancing beauty, lotuses adorn the roof of the temple.
Located just 500 meters from the Sas-Bahu temple is a Jain temple named Adbhuthji temple that is dedicated to the Jain Saint Shanti Nath. It houses a 9-foot-tall idol of Adbhuth. The temple was built during the rule of Rana Kumbha and suffered several foreign invaders, but it still boasts exceptional artistic architecture.
Adbhuthji Temple: A Jain Temple Nearby
Located just 500 meters from the Sas-Bahu Temple, another remarkable temple captures the attention of visitors. The Adbhuthji Temple is a Jain temple dedicated to the Jain Saint Shanti Nath. It is said to have been built during the rule of Rana Kumbha. The temple’s name, ‘Adbhuth,’ comes from the strange 9-foot-tall idol it houses. Despite suffering significant damage from foreign invaders, these temples still boast exceptional artistic architecture.