Sahasra Bahu Temples, Nagda – History

Sahasra Bahu Temples, Nagda – History

Nagda was found by Nagaditya, the fifth King of Guhila dynasty, during 5^th century CE. The town was called as Nagahrida during this period and served as the capital of Mewar. It was a flourishing religious town for Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Jainism. Iltutmish, Sultan of Delhi Sultanate, destroyed Nagda in 1226 CE. Guhila king Mokala, constructed a large lake after the name of his brother Bagh Singh, in Nagda.

The temple was built by King Mahapala of Kachchhwaha Dynasty in 10^th century CE. The temple was named as Sahastrabahu Temple. Sahastrabahu is a name of Lord Vishnu meaning ‘the one having a thousand arms’. Later the name of the temple got corrupted to Sas Bahu Temple (Sas means Mother-in-law and Bahu means Daughter-in-law). The temple was plundered by the invading Muslim armies in 14^th century CE.

As per popular local belief, it is believed that Queen of Mahapala was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu and his daughter in law was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Hence, the king built two temples, one dedicated to Lord Vishnu for his wife and another dedicated to Lord Shiva for his daughter-in-law. Thus, the temple complex came to be called as Sas Bahu Temples.