By Anjali Solanki
At a time when the TV serials continue airing the saas bahu fights, there is a temple in Gwalior which speaks of unbreakable bond of saas bahu temple. This temple is situated beneath the golden haze of Gwalior’s ancient fort, where the winds carry echoes of forgotten queens and the sandstone breathes a thousand years of secrets. Here stand two temples, entwined like the hearts of two women who dared to dream beyond their time.
The Sas-Bahu Mandir, or Sahastrabah Temples, are no mere relics of the 11th century they are a love letter carved in stone, a symphony of devotion sung by a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law. Their names, Indrani and Chandrika, linger in the air, their story a tapestry of faith, artistry, and an unbreakable bond that defied the shadows of a royal court. For every woman who wanders their sacred halls, these temples whisper a timeless truth together, we rise, our legacies eternal as the stars above Gwalior.
Sas Bahu Mandir: The Creation of a Masterpiece
The construction began in 1092 AD, under the skilled hands of artisans who poured their souls into every carving. The larger temple, for Vishnu, rose majestically, its three-story mandapa adorned with intricate pillars that seemed to dance with life. The walls came alive with scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata Sita’s grace, Draupadi’s courage, and Radha’s love for Krishna, each carving a tribute to the strength of women in Hindu mythology. Above the entrance, a lintel bore the images of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, a reminder of the unity of all divine forces.
The smaller temple, for Shiva, was no less enchanting. Though more modest in size, its ornate doorframe and delicate motifs spoke of Chandrika’s vibrant spirit. The sanctum, though now in ruins, once housed a lingam that glowed under the light of oil lamps, its walls adorned with carvings of dancers and musicians, celebrating Shiva’s cosmic dance.
As the temples took shape, Indrani and Chandrika worked side by side, overseeing the artisans and infusing the project with their shared vision. They laughed over shared meals, debated the placement of sculptures, and prayed together, their voices blending in a harmony that transcended their differences. The people of Gwalior watched in awe, inspired by the love and respect between the two women. In a world where royal women were often pitted against each other, Indrani and Chandrika were rewriting the story.
Legend has it that the temples were once adorned with diamonds that sparkled so brightly they illuminated the night. When a torch was lit at the entrance, its light would dance across the gems, bathing the complex in a celestial glow. The women of Gwalior would gather at dusk, their eyes wide with wonder, dreaming of a future where their own bonds could shine as brightly.
The Vision of Unity
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the fort, Indrani and Chandrika sat together in the palace gardens. The air had fragrance of jasmine, and the distant sound of temple bells mingled with the chatter of peacocks. Indrani, her eyes sparkling with an idea, spoke softly to her daughter-in-law.
Chandrika, our faiths may differ, but our hearts beat for the same family, the same kingdom. Let us build something that honors both our gods and our bond a legacy that will stand for centuries.
Chandrika, her youthful face alight with enthusiasm, clasped Indrani’s hands. Mother, let us create two temples, side by side, like us different yet together, strong in our unity.
And so, the vision was born. King Mahipala, moved by the harmony between his queen and daughter-in-law, declared that the temples would be built within the fort’s sacred precincts. The larger temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, would be for Indrani, the Saas, and the smaller, dedicated to Lord Shiva, would be for Chandrika, the Bahu. The temples would be called Sahastrabahu, after Vishnu’s thousand-armed form, but the people of Gwalior, charmed by the story of the two women, would forever know them as the Saas-Bahu Mandir.
A Call to Visit
The Sas-Bahu Mandir is open year-round, but the cooler months of October to March are ideal for exploring its serene beauty. Located within the Gwalior Fort, it is easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw from Gwalior Junction Railway Station or the Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Air Terminal, just 12 kilometers away. The fort’s ticket includes entry to the temples and the nearby Teli Ka Mandir, another architectural gem. As you wander the complex, let the stories of Indrani and Chandrika guide you, and savor the local cuisine spicy kachoris and sweet jalebis at Gwalior’s vibrant eateries. The Saas-Bahu Mandir is not just a destination; it is a journey into the heart of women’s resilience and creativity. For every woman who visits, it offers a chance to reflect on her own bonds, her own legacy, and the temples she will build in her lifetime