Osian

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Osian (also spelled Ossian) is a small town located at a distance of 65 kilometers from the Jodhpur. It's a flourishing desert town in the ancient times lays on an important desert trail that was a significant trade route. One they the way to Osian from Jodhpur one can see acres of gold dunes with glittering blue-green peacocks dancing on them. Some of the Jain and Hindu temples in Osian date back to as far back as the 8th century. The ruins and temples in Osian gives a fair glimpse into the bustling life of the Gujara Pratiharas.

Jain Temples:- Osian has as many as 15 Jain temples, the most spectacular of which is the Mahavira temple dedicated to the 24th and last Jain Prophets. The temple was built around 775 A.D. and other smaller shrines were added on to the complex till about the 15th century.

The entrance to the temple complex, which was constructed in 1015, has beautiful maidens carved on it, which is perhaps not very conducive to prayer and is quite untypical of a Jain temple. The roof is superbly ornamented and dates back to the 11th century. The temple complex sits atop a terrace and is built in sandstone. The Mahavir temple, the prima donna among the Jain temples has an inner sanctum and three balconied windows. The temple porch has beautifully ornate pillars and the second porch mandapa was built later. The original spire of the temple got broken and was rebuilt in the 11th century.

Pratihara Dynasty Temple Complex:- The Pratihara Dynasty Temple Complex is a must visit at Osian. The entire temple complex is perched on a sandstone terrace with ornate walls decorated with carved panels, miniature paintings and exquisite mouldings.

Sachiya Mata Temple:- The Sachiya Mata Temple complex can be entered through a series of magnificent arches, which are superbly sculpted. The main shrine was constructed circa 1178, and the two other temples in the complex, namely the Chandi Ka Mandir and the Amba Mata Mandir.

Surya Temple:- The Surya Temple was constructed in the 10th century. It is quite similar to the Sun Temple at Ranakpur. Surya Temple is dedicated to the Sun god, Surya. The inner complex of the temple houses the statue of Surya. Also within the temple complex are the sculptures of the Ganeshji and Durga Mata.

Harihara Temples:- There are three Harihara temples in Osian. These temples are dedicated to Lord Harihara (A union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu). The first two of the Harihara Temples were constructed in the 8th century. The third one was added in 9th century. The temples are raised on huge plinths.

Pippala Devi Temple:- The Pippala Devi Temple was constructed in the early part of the 9th century. It is a minor temple as compared to the other Temples.

The temple has an open-air mandap, with well stretched out balconies. Only a part of this mandap has still been preserved. The main attraction of the Pippala Devi temple is its splendid columns. However, they could not stand the test of time and have witnessed substantial damage. The other main feature of the complex is the large sabha mandap. It has thirty pillars dating back to the 10th century. It is still in an good condition.

Vishnu Temple:- The Vishnu Temple was constructed in the later half of the 9th century. It was once an architectural beauty. The Vishnu Temple is now showing signs of wearing down with the passage of time. The tower in the shrine has been unfortunately damaged.

In the temple there is the wonderfully carved and columned mandap. Adjunct to the mandap, is a balcony. It is artfully decorated with figures of various Hindu deities. Located nearby is a Baori (Step well). About one kilometre away from the Vishnu temple is a Ganesh Pillar. The pillar was built to honour Ganeshji (son of Lord Shiva).