SasBahu Temple Tourism

Sas-Bahu Temple, also known as Sahastrabahu Temple, is an ancient temple complex located in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated within the Gwalior Fort complex, atop a fortified hilltop overlooking the city. The temple was built in the 11th century by King Mahipala of the Kachchhapaghata dynasty. 'Sas-Bahu' translates to 'Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law' respectively in Hindi, and these temples are dedicated to Vishnu in his Padmanabha form and his consort, Lakshmi. The larger of the two temples is known as the 'Sas' temple while the smaller one is called 'Bahu'. Despite popular belief, the names are not due to the temples being dedicated to a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law but are a corrupt form of 'Shashtra Bahu' or 'One with Thousand Arms', a form of Vishnu. The architecture is a blend of Hindu and Jain styles, with intricate carvings, elaborate pillars, and numerous statues that adorn the temple walls. Though partly in ruins, the complex remains a significant example of medieval northern Indian temple architecture.