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Osian - An Oasis in the DesertLocation and Area
An oasis in the desert situated on the diversion off the main Jodhpur - Bikaner
Highway. A drive to this ancient township takes one past undulating terrain, punctuated
by desert stretches and little hamlets. Osian has 15 beautifully sculpted Jain and
Brahmanical temples.
A flourishing desert town in the ancient times, Osian lay on an important desert
trail that was a significant trade route. Set out on a tour to Osian located at
a distance of 55 kilometers from the main Jodhpur city and treat yourself to acres
of gold dunes with glittering blue-green peacocks dancing on them.
Jain Temples
Osian has 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.
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.
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).
Thus, an excursion to Osian, an enchanting desert Oasis located in the heart of
the massive Thar brings you into a paradisiacal land dotted with intricately carved
temples with the golden dunes of the formidable Thar in the backdrop.
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