Sahasra Bahu Temples, Rajasthan: The Thousand-armed Wonder and Hidden 10th-century Marvel of Nagda Near Udaipur

Sahasra Bahu Temples, Rajasthan: The Thousand-armed Wonder and Hidden 10th-century Marvel of Nagda Near Udaipur (image: canva)

Sahasra Bahu Temples, Rajasthan: The Sahasra Bahu Temples also called Sasbahu Temples, are a pair of late 10th-century Hindu temples located in Nagda, Rajasthan, about 20 km from Udaipur. Dedicated to Virabhadra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva, these temples are an architectural treasure of Māru-Gurjara style which reflects Rajasthan’s glorious past.

Sahasra Bahu Temples, Rajasthan: Origin of the Name

The name Sahasra-Bahu means "One with a thousand arms," originally associated with Lord Vishnu. Over time, the name was locally corrupted into Sasbahu (Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law), giving the temples their popular identity today.

10th-century marvels near Udaipur, blending history, art and more

Sahasra Bahu Temples, Rajasthan: Historical Background

Nagda was once an important city of Mewar, possibly even a capital of its rulers. In 1226, the city faced destruction under Iltutmish (the Delhi Sultan) leaving behind these temples as silent witnesses of its history. Today, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recognized them as protected heritage monuments.

Close-up of intricate carvings on the temple porch and pillars of Sahasra Bahu

Architectural Significance

The temples stand side by side on a raised platform, overlooking a temple tank. While one is larger, surrounded by ten subsidiary shrines, the smaller one has four. Though partly in ruins, both temples showcase intricate carvings on their mandapas, sanctuaries and porches.

• Design: Each temple features a sanctuary, a spacious mandapa with side projections, and an open porch.
• Shikharas: Their brick-built shikharas have multiple subsidiary turrets. The smaller temple’s shikhara has been restored, while the larger one remains truncated.
• Torana Gateway: A decorative four-columned arch, or torana, welcomes devotees to the site.
• Artistry: Interiors are adorned with fine carvings, floral motifs, and even traces of lotus paintings on the ceilings.

Intricate carvings and ancient architecture of Nagda’s hidden heritage temples

Cultural Importance

Though dedicated to Virabhadra, the temples reflect a mix of Vaishnavite and Shaivite traditions. Their architectural style foreshadows the later grandeur of Māru-Gurjara architecture, seen across Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Nearby Temples

• Eklingji Temple (2.7 km away): A popular Shaivite shrine.
• Nathdwara (30 km away): A Vaishnavite pilgrimage town dedicated to Shrinathji.
• Adbhutji Shanthinath Jain Tirth: An ancient Jain temple located near Bagela Lake, close to Nagda.

ALSO READ | Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram: A Chola Marvel That Actually Sings ‘sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni’ and Stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site