About Sahasra Bahu Temples, Nagda
The Sahasra Bahu temples, popularly called the Sas-Bahu temples, stand at Nagda, an ancient settlement beside Bagela Lake, about 20 km north of Udaipur and close to the famous Eklingji temple. Nagda was once an important town of Mewar and is believed to have been an early seat of its rulers. The two temples, one larger and one smaller, share a single raised platform facing the lake and are among the finest examples of temple carving from the period. They are protected as monuments of national importance and are visited today mainly as heritage, rather than as a busy place of worship.
The name Sahasra Bahu means "one with a thousand arms", a form usually understood as Vishnu, and over time it became Sas-Bahu, "mother-in-law and daughter-in-law", in local speech; a popular story says one temple was built for a queen and the other for her daughter-in-law. Scholars date the temples to the late 10th century, and some sources discuss other identifications for the deity. Nagda suffered when the Delhi Sultan Iltutmish attacked the region in the early 13th century, and the temples were damaged, though much of their carving survives.
Both temples have a sanctum, a hall with side projections and an open porch. The larger temple was once surrounded by ten small shrines and the smaller by four, though only the bases of some remain. Their brick spires are partly ruined; the smaller one has been repaired. The real treasure is the carving: pillars, ceilings and porches are covered with dancers, musicians, deities, scenes from the epics and delicate floral patterns, and a lotus design decorates a ceiling. In front of the platform stands a carved torana entrance with a graceful cusped arch.
Sahasra Bahu Temples, Nagda timings & aarti
As a monument it is usually open from about sunrise to sunset. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| No regular aarti | The temples are maintained as a monument (check locally) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Sahasra Bahu Temples, Nagda
By air
Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur (Dabok), is about 40 km away.
By train
Udaipur City station is about 22 km away.
By road
Nagda is about 1–3 km off the Udaipur–Nathdwara highway near Eklingji (Kailashpuri). Taxis and autos from Udaipur are the easiest option.
Festivals at Sahasra Bahu Temples, Nagda
- Maha Shivaratri (at nearby Eklingji)Feb/Mar
- Mewar Festival (Udaipur)Mar/Apr
- Janmashtami (at nearby Nathdwara)Aug/Sep
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended, as for any temple site.
- Entry
- ASI-protected monument; entry is free or by a nominal ticket. Check at the site.
- Combine the visit with darshan at Eklingji, about 3 km away; note that Eklingji has fixed darshan hours.
- Carry a camera; the carvings are best photographed in morning light.
- Do not climb on the platforms or touch fragile carvings.
- Visit the nearby Adbhutji Jain temple by the lake.
Places to visit near Sahasra Bahu Temples, Nagda
- Eklingji TempleShrine of the Mewar rulers' family deity, about 3 km away
- Adbhutji Jain TempleOld Jain temple beside Bagela Lake, under 1 km away
- Udaipur City PalacePalace complex on Lake Pichola, about 22 km away
- Shrinathji Temple, NathdwaraMajor Krishna shrine, about 30 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why are they called the Sas-Bahu temples?
The name is a local form of Sahasra Bahu, meaning "thousand-armed", usually understood as a form of Vishnu.
How old are the Sas-Bahu temples at Nagda?
They are dated to the late 10th century.
What are the Sas-Bahu temple timings?
As a monument they are usually open from sunrise to sunset. Check locally before visiting.
How far is Nagda from Udaipur?
Nagda is about 20–22 km north of Udaipur, near Eklingji.
What is the aarti time at Sahasra Bahu Temples, Nagda?
No regular aarti: The temples are maintained as a monument (check locally). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Sahasra Bahu Temples, Nagda?
Modest clothing is recommended, as for any temple site.
Visited recently and noticed something has changed? Suggest an update — Sevaks help keep every temple guide accurate.
