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The ancient town of Osian, situated 65km North from Jodhpur is an archaeologists
delight. Located at the verge of the Thar Desert, at Osian, there are
cluster of not less than 100 Brahmanical and Jain temples belonging to
8th and the 11th century. Beautifully sculpted and designed, these temples
are the largest and the best preserved temples in state.
The city of Osian is said to have founded by Utpaladeva,
a Rajput Prince of Pratihara Dynasty. It is a major pilgrimage center
for Oswal Jain community. Osian is also known as Khajuraho of Rajasthan.
Even though the time have damaged these temples to an extent, still their
charm attract lots of people. The temples includes at Osian are Jain Temples,
Sachiya Mata temple, Surya temple, Pippala Devi temple, Harihara temple
etc. These temples are grouped in several sites, North, West and South
of the town.
The southern group of small Hindu temples includes three
Harihara Temples. It is dedicated to Lord Harihara (A
union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu). Among the three Harihara Temples,
the first two were constructed in the 8th century and the third one was
built in 9th century. Raised on huge plinths these temples has beautiful
sculptures. Compared to the other temples in Osian, Harihara temple's
architecture is far more advanced.
The west group contains a mixture of Hindu temples,
including the Surya Temple. Built in the 10th century,
it has beautifully carved pillars. It is similar in structure to the Sun
Temple at Ranakpur. Dedicated to Sun God, the temple's inner sanctum,
containing the striking idol of Sun God. The main hall contains idols
of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga. The temple has ceilings decorated with
the images of serpents coiled around lotus flowers. 200m further, the
Jain Mahavira Temple built in 783 AD, by Pratihara King
Vatsa. Stands on a hillock, it is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th
Jain Tirthankara. The best preserved of the temples here, Mahavira Temple
is famous for its stunning architecture. Built of red stones, it has beautifully
carved images of Gods and Goddesses. Stands on a high platform made of
sandstone, it's main shrine contains the deity 'Mahavira' in the Padmasana
posture. Nearly 32 inches high, this idol was installed by Acharya Ratnapradhasurishwalji.
The main door is carved with an impression of young maidens and the main
porch has intricately carved pillars. The temple also has three balconied
windows. Besides these Jain Temple, there are other Jain temples here,
which are quite smaller and are uniform to some an extent.
The other famous temple at Osian is Sachiya
Mata Temple, a perfect example of the medieval architecture.
Built by Parmar King Upendre in the 8th century, it's present structure
was built during the 12th century. It is dedicated to Sachi Mata (wife
of Lord Indra. The temple complex has two other shrines, the Chandi
Ka Mandir and the Amba Mata Mandir, that are
dedicated to Chandi Devi and Amba Mata respectively. Built in many phases,
Sachiya Mata Temple can be entered through a series of wonderfully sculpted
arches.The interiors of the temple are decorated with beautiful images
and sculptures of deities. At the north-end of the complex is a sculpture
of Varaha (boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu) whereas an image of Lakshmi-Vishnu
is visible in the east.
Pippala Devi Temple at Osian is a 9th
century temple. Comapred to the other Osian Temples, it is very small.
Apart from its artistic temples, the Osian is also known for its camel
rides.
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Pilgrim Centers 
