Neorama Designs

Streets of Gwalior, M.P.

SAS BAHU TEMPLE, Gwalior fort, M.P.

The group of two temples standing on the eastern corner of the gwalior fort is popularly known as sas-bahu temple the literal meaning denotes mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, generally applied for the bigger and smaller temples respectively. the original name of the temple was derived probably from 'sahastrabahu, meaning thousand arms. in due course of time, it came to be known as 'sas-bahu. the architectural grandeur glorifies the temple building tradition of the kachchhapaghata rulers.

The construction of the temples was started by king Ratanapala and completed during the reign of Mahipala in 1093 a.d. The fully developed temple plan is aligned in north-south direction, having garbha-griha, antarala, mahamandapa and ardhamandapa from south to north. The exuberantly carved pillars and ceiling of the central hall are flanked by porches on three sides. The exterior walls are richly carved with floral, geometric designs, elephants figures, dancers, musicians and scenes from krishna lila. The exterior decoration of the smaller temple is also similar. It possesses vestibule and a small central hall.