Have you ever heard of a Saas Bahu Temple in Gwalior temple named after a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law? Strange, no? The Saas Bahu Temple Complex, in Gwalior, India, is one of the most interesting monuments, certainly strange in its name but with an equally interesting historical backdrop and beauty that makes it a must-see. Let us now explore the compelling history of the Saas Bahu Temple and its attraction to tourists today.
What is the Saas Bahu Temple?
Saas Bahu Mandir didn’t mean anything about the family quarrels between the mother-in-law from the daughter-in-law. It is actually derived from the word Sahastrabahu, which means literally a thousand arms, and is another name for Lord Vishnu. With changing social acceptance over decades and centuries, the temple came to be widely referred to as Saas Bahu. This beautiful little non-existent noun has now made it popular worldwide.
Where is the Saas Bahu Temple Located?
The Saas Bahu Temple exists inside the Gwalior Fort in Madhya Pradesh. The fort itself is often called “the jewel of all fortresses” for its beauty. The temple is easy to reach since Gwalior is well-connected by trains, buses, and an airport. Many tourists, for a more comprehensive historical trip, combine visits to the fort and the Saas Bahu Temple.
The Historical Background of the Saas Bahu Temple
The history of these temples takes us back to the year 1092 AD, which is a time when the ‘Saas Bahu’ temple was created inside the fort by King Mahipala of the Kachchhapaghata Dynasty. The temple was dedicated to Lord Vishnu in honor of his queen, who was a staunch devotee of Vaishnavism. The Saas Bahu Temple in Gwalior smaller shrine, was later constructed for his second queen, who worshipped Lord Shiva. Together, they came to be known as “Saas Bahu” temples.
The Architectural Style of the Saas Bahu Temple
Typical of the Nagara style prevalent in Northern India, the Gwalior Saas Bahu Temple is characterized by gigantic shikhara towers that must have loomed gloriously over the ramparts of the fort. Exquisitely carved in red sandstone, the temple is embellished with numinous figurines, dancers, flowers, and mythical beasts. All through the centuries of battering, the temple carvings have stayed a delight.
Legends and Myths Around the Saas Bahu Temple
Why did individuals start calling it the Saas Bahu Temple? The Saas Bahu Temple in Gwalior’s stories attribute it to the divergent views of the two queens. One asked Lord Vishnu, the other Lord Shiva. People joked that they resembled a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law. Sahastrabahu, the real name, gradually became more widely known than the nickname. The temple’s attraction results from this combination of folklore and fact.
Role of the Kachchhapaghata Dynasty in Building the Saas Bahu Temple
Great lovers Saas Bahu Temple in Gwalior, art and culture were the Kachchhapaghata kings of Gwalior. Madhya Pradesh saw the construction of numerous temples and monuments under its rule. Their most spectacular creation was the Saas Bahu Temple. Their backing of temple construction left behind a legacy still inspiring architects and historians now.
How the Saas Bahu Temple Compares to Other Temples
The Saas Bahu Temple at Gwalior is often compared to Khajuraho temples, but the Saas Bahu Temple has superb carvings and stories from Hindu myth. Unlike Khajuraho, the Saas Bahu Temple in Gwalior does not have a wide emphasis on eroticism but on devotion towards God, which makes it entirely different from several temples built at that time.
Religious Importance of Saas Bahu Temple
Lord Vishnu was honored in the bigger temple; Lord Shiva in the lesser one. This highlights how the Saas Bahu Temple in Gwalior honored diversity of views. In medieval India, temples built for several deities were uncommon within the same complex. For spiritual history, this adds still more importance to the website.
The Decline of the Saas Bahu Temple Over Time
This is what happened to many of the historic structures: Saas Bahu Temple in Gwaliore, like all other old historic structures, suffered from invasions, decay, and the elements. Its towering tower fell long ago, and many parts of the temple were broken. Yet strong walls of sandstone and engravings have survived. Nowadays, it is under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), an organization that seeks to preserve such sites so that tourists can still enjoy their beauty.
Modern-Day Importance of the Saas Bahu Temple
Not much in prayer is now said about the Saas Bahu Temple in Gwalior. Instead, it stands now as a witness to history, art, and culture. Tourists coming to Gwalior Fort to inspect its architecture and take pictures of the fabulous view in front of them might as well be ready to be taken back to the 11th century for the historians.
Architectural Details That Make the Saas Bahu Temple Special
One can roam in the Saas Bahu temple in Gwalior with his own to come across thick stone pillars richly adorned with carvings. He has glimpses of gods, musicians, dancers, and some celestial beings. The walls are fantastically covered with a large story of floral motifs and mythological images. Almost a thousand years ago, the artisans manifested their excellence in every aspect of constructing it.
Cultural Value of the Saas Bahu Temple
More than just a tourist site, the Saas Bahu Temple in Gwalior is a place of worship. It captures the spirit of medieval India, where art, faith, and culture mingled exquisitely. Nowadays, it is acknowledged under the ASI as a conserved historic monument. One of Gwalior Fort’s crowning jewels is in terms of cultural value.
Tips for Visiting the Saas Bahu Temple
If you plan to see the Saas Bahu Temple in Gwalior, here are a few tips:
- Best time to visit: October to March, when the weather is cool.
- Things to carry: Water, a hat, and a camera to capture carvings.
- Nearby attractions: Don’t miss Teli Ka Mandir, Man Singh Palace, and Jai Vilas Palace while in Gwalior.
Conclusion
The Saas Bahu Temple in Gwalior is emblematic of love, inspiration, and civilization; every aspect of this place-having an unusual name and being studded liberally with beautiful carvings something unique. The fine carvings are a testimony to perhaps the most resplendent era of Indian art. The Saas Bahu temples should be on your must-visit list if one ever gets to Gwalior.
Also Read: The Powerful Durga Temple Durgakund Varanasi -A Spiritual Jewel of Kashi
