The Sas Bahu temple complex is situated some 25km north of the city of Udaipur. Sas Bahu translates as ‘mother-in-law (and) daughter-in-law’. However, the prevailing theory is that the name is actually a corruption of Sahas(t)rabahu – a term used for a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
It is thought that the complex was built in the 10th or 11th century and that it was intended as a gift for the then ruler’s wife (and not his mother-in-law). Further structures in honour of his son’s new bride were added to the plans when he got married (i.e. the daughter-in-law part of the name is indeed accurate).
The temple site lies next to a tranquil lake, well away from the hustle and bustle one often associates with India.
The shot below shows the rear of the complex from the direction of the entrance.
There are two main temples here, one (the larger) dedicated to Vishnu and the other to Shiva.
The structures have not survived the last thousand years without some damage, but a fair quantity of intricate carvings has survived in a surprisingly good condition. Many relate to religious themes, but there are also quite a few which depict (fairly explicit) erotic scenes. This is not at all uncommon – many ancient Indian temples appear to have combined a measure of sex education with a devotional function.
