Osian

The ancient city of Osian is famous for its architectural temples that date back to medieval age. Located at the verge of the Thar Desert, Osiyan can be easily reached from anywhere in Rajasthan. Osian is accessible from Jodhpur that lies at a distance of 65 kms in the north-west. However, one can reach Osiyan Temples by taking regular buses or by hiring taxis. Ossian has not less than 100 temples belonging to the sect of Hindus and Jains.

The city of Osiyan is said to have founded by Utpaladeva, who was a Rajput Prince belonging to Pratihara Dynasty. In those times, the city was named as Ukesha or Upkeshapur. During the Pratihara dynasty, Osian is believed to be the major religious and cultural centre of the Mewar kingdom. A major number of shrines are devastated with the ravages of the time, however 18 shrines are still there unfolding the royal legacy of past.

Amongst these temples, Surya (Sun) Temple, Harihara Temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and a Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira get the prime importance. Osian is regarded as a prominent pilgrimage site for Oswal Jain community. Ravages of the time have destroyed these temples to an extent, still their charm attract people to visit the ancient city of Ossian.

History of Osian
Osian was a large and busy town in the medieval period and groups from Afghanistan, central Asia, Persia and Arabia come here for trade. Osian was the capital of the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty from 8th to 12th century. Osian was a prominent center of pilgrimage between 8th and 9th centuries. This can be known from the surviving Hindu temples of the Surya (Sun), Vaishnava, and Shakti (mother goddess) sects. During that period the Brahminical control was very strong in Osian, later Jainism also prospered in the place through the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty.
Today also devotees from all over visit the Osian temple dedicated to the goddess Sachiyamata. Osian was known as Ukeshpur in the historic times.

Tourist attractions in Osian
The Brahmanical Jain temples and Hindu temples are the famous tourist attractions in Osian. These temples were constructed between 8th and 12th century during the rule of the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty. These temples are very small and are richly fashioned and magnificently built. In these temples, each temple has its own distinctive planning, layout, and design and no two temples are alike in any manner. These temples were constructed from the stone which was extracted from local quarries, and has managed to withstand the vagaries of nature for various centuries. The prominent temple of Osian is situated on a terrace whose walls are ornamented with Miniatures and mouldings. As the main shrine of the temple is enclosed by four small shrines, the temple is called a panchavatan temple. Central projections are there on the walls of the temple which are carved panels, above the panels there rise the curved towers topped by an amalaka and pot finial. The doorways are generally decorated with serpents, scrollwork, and river goddesses.