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Nagda is a small town in the Indian state of
Rajasthan. In the 6th century, Nagda was founded by
Nagaditya, the fourth Mewar King in the 6th century.
Originally it was known as Nagahrida and served as
the capital of Mewar. Before long, the place came
under the region of Sisodias. Nagda is situated
besides Bagela Lake at a distance of 23 kms in the
north-west of Udaipur on the way to Nathdwara. Nagda
comprises many small and big temples, but the main
attraction is gained by its 'Sas-Bahu' temple.
During the time when it was known as Nagahrida, it
served as the capital of Mewar.
Nagda is actually well-known for this unusual temple
that dates back to the 10th century. The term 'Sas-Bahu'
suggests 'Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law'
respectively. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu
and it is made in two structures, one by a
mother-in-law and another, by a daughter-in-law. The
main entrance to the temples is made through a door
that has carved lintels and a multi-lobed arch in
its middle. Both the structures are laid out on a
same plan having an altar, a mandapa (columned
prayer hall) with projections and a covered
entrance.
The temple of Sas is comparatively larger than that
of the Bahu. The 'Bahu' temple has an octagonal
ceiling, which is decorated with marvelously carved
eight intricate female figures. The 'Sas' temple has
a torana (archway) in its front and it is believed
that the image of the Lord Vishnu was swung from the
torana along with tunes in the praise of lord on
ceremonial occasions. Both the temples are
constructed on a common platform facing towards the
east direction. The temple is attributed for having
magnificent carvings.
These delicate carvings are acknowledged to be
imbibed from the incidents of 'Ramayana' (the Indian
epic). The walls of the temple are usually plain and
not absorbed with much work, but the projection is
simply mind blowing with its beautiful statues. The
statues are made in two steps, one encircling the
other. On the first step, images of Lord Brahma,
Shiva and Vishnu are carved and on the other, there
are images of Rama, Balarama and Parashurama.
Another temple that captures attention is Jain
temple which were devoted to the Jain Saint Shanti
Nath, the temple is said to have been constructed
during the rule of Rana Kumbha. The temple has a
strange idol and that how the temple got its name.
This strange idol of 9 feet in height is an
attraction for people. These temples were destroyed
by the foreign invaders to a large extent, still
they boast of their exceptional artistic
architecture. People usually visit these ancient
temples of Nagda to get the blessings from the Lord. |
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