Northwest of Jodhpur roughly 65 kms lies Osian, a small town in the Thar Desert, home to Rajasthan’s largest group of early Jain and Hindu temples. Osian was once a large and bustling town and caravans from Arabia, Persia, Afghanistan and central Asia arrived here for trade. This confluence of cultures and religious beliefs was partly responsible for the rise in both Hindu and Jain religions. More importantly, the ruler and population of Osian reportedly converted to Jainism in the 11th century. Osian was already an important Hindu pilgrimage center in the 8th and 9th centuries. Now it was set to reflourish as the Jain influence took hold.

No longer a bustling town by any stretch of the imagination, Osian is nothing more than a dusty, one lane road known almost as much for the outlying luxury camel camps than for the ancient temples. The major tourist attraction in Osian still remains the 15 Brahmanical Hindu temples and shrines and Jain temples. Like many of the ancient temples, they are small, sturdily built of locally-sourced, hand carved ornately designed stone. No two temples are alike as each building has a unique design.

Among the remaining temples, Surya (Sun) Temple, Harihara Temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and a Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira are considered the most interesting. Although many of the ancient temples have succumbed to the ravages of time and weather, Osian continues to be an important stop on a pilgrimage tour of India for the Oswal Jain community. Travelers on their own tour of India will enjoy the architectural and religious significance of Osian. Afterward, take a rest day by the pool or depart on a camel safari at Reggie’s Camel Camp.

Mahavira Temple

Mahavira Jain Temple Osian

This Jain Temple was built in 783 AD, dedicated to Lord Mahavira (24th Jain Tirthankara). The temple is celebrated for its stunning architecture. The main door is carved with an impression of young maidens on it. Intricately carved pillars adorn the site of the main porch. In another porch, one can find a shade of a little stylish construction. The main shrine is sited on a high platform made of sandstone. The sanctum encompasses the idol of Lord Mahavira. In the hall, three balconies make the sanctum well ventilated.

Entry Fee Rs 5, Camera Rs 40. Remember, no leather allowed inside or women during menstruation.

Sachiya Mata Temple

This temple was originally built in the 8th century, however, the present temple was constructed during the 12th century. Sachiya Temple is dedicated to Sachi Mata, wife of Lord Indra (Rain God). Goddess Sachi is also known as Indrani. The temple complex has two other shrines 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 from the Hindu pantheon. In the north, a sculpture of Varaha (Incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Boar) embellishes the site, whereas an image of Lakshmi-Vishnu is visible in the east. A stone slab crammed with sculptures, emerging from the wall, can be traced in the west. This ancient temple is a perfect example of the medieval architecture.

Surya Temple

Sculpted arches of Sachiya Mata Osian

Osian Surya Temple traces its origin in the 10th century. The structure of the temple is often compared with the Sun Temple at Ranakpur. As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Lord Surya or Sun God. The sanctum comprises the striking idol of Lord Surya. The main hall also has the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga. The ceiling is festooned with the images of serpents coiled around lotus flowers. The life-story is depicted here in the form of murals and scriptures. The initial Surya Temple dates back to the 8th century and it was later merged into the complex of Sachiya Mata Temple. Its doorway is regarded as one of the finest temple doorways in India.

Harihara Temples

Three Harihara temples exist in Osian. Dedicated to Lord Harihara (A union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu), these temples are built on a raised platform. In the 8th century, the first two temples were built with a third temple built in the 9th century. The architecture of these temples is a little different and advanced as compared to the other temples of Osian.

Local buses run routes throughout the day via the bus stop on the south side of town. Tourists can also find their way to Osian via the Jodhpur-Jaisalmer train. The railway station is 1 km west of the temples. Taxis run from Jodphur as well as tourist jeeps which can be booked in advance through the Jodhpur’s tourist office as well as Jodhpur hotels.