Osian – The Golden Town Of Thar
The ancient town in Rajasthan, Osian is an oasis in the Thar Desert. Located in Jodhpur District in western Rajasthan, Osian lies 65 kilometer north of the ‘Blue City’, on a diversion off the Bikaner-Jodhpur Highway.
Surrounded by the golden sand dunes and pithy hamlets of the Thar, Osian was a prominent trading center on the Silk Route between the 8th and 12th century until the trade came to an abrupt halt with armies of Muhammad Ghori attacking the town in 1195.
Known throughout the state of Rajasthan as the home to the cluster of ruined Jain and Brahmanical temples, Osian once served as a major pilgrimage site during the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty, which ruled the whole of the northern India between 6th and 11th century. It was a major religious centre revered by kingdom of Marwar.
Previously known as Upkeshpur, it was a famous pilgrimage site for the Oswal Jain community. However, most of their shrines and temples lie in ruins today.
At that time, the town of Osian was dominated by the Jains, whose exquisite wealth left a legacy of intricately sculpted temples. The town is so famous for its Jain and Hindu temples and sculptures within that it’s often referred to as the ‘Khajuraho of Rajasthan’.
Along with Jodhpur, the ancient town co-hosts the festival of Mewar, with a colorful display of Rajasthani folk music and art, each year in the months of September and October.
Famous for its architectural temples dating back to the medieval age, Osian can be accessed easily via Jodhpur. Out of hundreds of temples belonging to Jain and Hindu sects, it’s only the remaining 18 that still unfold the legacy of the past.
Amongst the 18 temples left, only 4 get the prime importance. These are:
Mahavira Temple: Dating back to the Saka period, the temple was built in 8th century in the honour of 24th Jain Tirthankara, Lord Mahavira. The temple is celebrated for its striking architecture in the center of which lies the gigantic, 32 inch sandstone statue of Lord Mahavira in the Padmasana posture.
Sachiya Mata Temple: With its initial construction beginning in the 8th century, the present day temple materialized during the 12th century and is dedicated to Lord Indra’s wife, Sachi Mata. The temple also has two other shrines dedicated to Amba Mata and Chandi Devi.
Harihara Temple: The town of Osian is home to 3 different Harihara temples. Resplendent with sculptures, these temples are dedicated to a union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Surya Temple: Tracing their origins back to the 10th century, Surya Temple is dedicated to the Sun God and is often compared to the temple with the same name in Ranakpur, Rajasthan.