Perched atop a hill in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, the Sasbahu Temple is a holy shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Built around 1093 AD, by King Mahipala of the Kachchhapaghata dynasty, the temple is also called the Sas aur Bahu ke Mandir, Sas-Bahu Twin Temples. The 11th-century twin temples boast fine stone carvings and a grand, sacred air. It draws those seeking peace and divine grace.
Notable Fact: The temple’s twin shrines, one larger and one smaller, give it the name “Sasbahu” (mother-in-law and daughter-in-law), a rare feature among Indian temples.
Overview of Sasbahu Temple
The Sasbahu Temple, also called Sahastrabahu Temple, sits within Gwalior Fort, overlooking the city. Its name comes from two shrines side by side—one big, one small—like a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Dedicated to Vishnu, the larger temple honors his Sahastrabahu form, meaning “thousand-armed.” The smaller shrine, though plainer, shares its style. Built in the Nagara style, the temples have tall spires and deep carvings of gods and daily life. The larger temple’s detailed pillars and walls show the Kachchhapaghata’s skill. The Archaeological Survey of India keeps it as a special monument, strong and plain, despite damage from past attacks.
History of Sasbahu Temple
A stone mark from 1093 AD names King Mahipala, a Kachchhapaghata ruler, as the builder of these twin shrines. His time was rich with art and faith, and this temple shows his people’s craft. Old tales say it was made to honor Vishnu’s mighty form, with a smaller shrine for his consort or kin. Raiders in the 12th and 13th centuries harmed the temples, breaking many statues. In the 1800s, British travelers saw their grandeur, though worn by time. After 1947, the state took charge, keeping them safe. Repairs by the Archaeological Survey fixed broken stones, kept them true. Long ago, priests chanted Vishnu’s name here, and tales spread far.
Architecture of Sasbahu Temple
The Sasbahu Temple stands high in Gwalior Fort, reached by a short climb. The larger temple, 100 feet long, has a tall spire, now partly broken, but still grand. Its yellow stone walls carry deep carvings of Vishnu, his forms like Narayana and Krishna, and other gods like Brahma. The smaller temple, 70 feet long, has a simpler spire but shares the same style. Both have square bases, with pillars holding up flat roofs. The larger shrine’s hall has four big pillars, carved with maids, warriors, and holy signs, all fine work. Inside, the sanctum once held a Vishnu idol, now gone, but a small linga sits there, plain and holy.
The outer walls show scenes of daily life—people dancing, working—mixed with gods. The smaller temple’s carvings are fewer, but still neat. A porch at the larger temple’s entry has stone patterns, real fine. No river runs near, but a well on the fort grounds serves for holy baths. The temples’ high spot gives a wide view of Gwalior, making the air feel sacred, real sacred. Walls tell Vishnu’s tales, guiding them who pray. The air is quiet, still, peaceful.
Sculptures of Sasbahu Temple
The larger temple’s walls and pillars are rich with carvings. Vishnu’s forms, like Narayana with a lotus or Krishna with a flute, stand out deep and clear. Other gods, like Brahma and Shiva, appear too. Scenes of daily life show women with pots, men with tools, all cut fine. The smaller temple has plainer carvings, mostly floral patterns and small gods. Some statues broke long ago, but enough remain to show the old skill. A special carving on the larger temple’s porch shows a dancing maid, her pose neat and lively. The work matches Khajuraho’s style but feels heavier, more solid. The stones pull the heart to wonder at their old craft.
Rituals and Prayers
No old records tell of daily prayers here now. Long back, priests likely sang Vishnu’s praise, offering water and flowers in the larger shrine. The smaller temple may have served kin gods or consorts. Today, the temples stand quiet, with no regular priests. On holy days, like Janmashtami in August, locals climb the fort, giving milk or flowers to the linga in the larger shrine. No set rites happen, but the air feels divine. Visitors say the hill’s height adds a strange calm, like old spirits linger. The well nearby, used for holy baths, is often dry, but its stones hold old tales. The quiet makes it a spot for still thoughts.
Information for Travelers
Hours and Entry: Open daily, 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry to Gwalior Fort costs ₹25 for locals, ₹250 for foreigners, a fair price. No photos are banned, but respect the holy space.
Clothing: Wear clothes covering shoulders and knees, proper and plain. For prayers, women wear sarees or suits, men wear kurtas, plain kurtas.
How to Get There:
Air: Gwalior Airport, 12 km away, is closest. Taxis take 20 minutes, cost ₹300–500, a quick trip.
Train: Gwalior Station, 3 km away, links to Delhi, 4 hours long. Autos cost ₹50–100, a small fare.
Road: Buses from Morena, 1 hour away, reach Gwalior. Taxis cost ₹800–1500, steady roads, calm roads.
Places to Stay:
Gwalior has guesthouses like Hotel Sita, ₹600–1200, plain rooms. Hotels like Clarks Inn, ₹2000–4000, are fine and clean. Stalls sell samosa, kachori, tea, warm tea.
Best Time to Visit:
October to March, cool air, 15–25°C. Weekdays are quiet, real quiet. Summer, April to June, is too hot, avoid it.
Nearby Attractions:
Gwalior Fort, on site, a grand hill fort, strong walls.
Jai Vilas Palace, 5 km away, a king’s home, rich and big.
Tomb of Tansen, 4 km off, a music saint’s rest, calm spot.
Bateshwar Temples, 45 km away, Shiva shrines, old stones.
Padawali Temple, 44 km off, a Vishnu shrine, fine cuts.
