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The Ossian city near Jodhpur, Rajasthan is an ancient
city lying in ruins. It is approximately 65 Kms from
Jodhpur. The main attractions of this city are its temples
that have gracefully stood the test of time. They are
beautifully designed and constructed. The main ones
of the Osiyan Temples in Jodhpur, India are:
Jain Temples
The Sachiya Mata Temple
Surya Temples
Harihara Temples
Jain temples belong to 8th and 11th
century. Surya (Sun) temple and the Sachiya Mata temple
are famous for their beauty. Similarly, all the other
temples are famous for one thing or the other.
At one point of time in the past (8th - 12th century),
this town was a great trading center. Today, it is more
like an oasis in the desert of Rajasthan. Apart from
its artistic temples, the Ossian city is also known
for its camel rides. The tourist can enjoy the temples
and their architecture during the camel ride also.
Ossian Jain Temples Jodhpur
There are approximately 15 Ossian Jain temples near Jodhpur.
The most fascinating one of the Jain Osiyan temples in
Rajasthan is the Mahavira temple. It is dedicated to the
last (24th) Jain Prophet. The main temple was constructed
around 775 A.D. And till about 15th century, the other
smaller shrines were being added to the main complex.
Ossian holds a great significance for the Jain community.
This is so because the Oswal Jains (a rich trading community)
came from Ossian. Thus, deriving their name from this
town. It is because of the donations of these Oswals
only that so many temples were constructed. Even their
upkeep was possible because of due participation of
Oswals.
The entrance to the temple complex has carvings of
beautiful maidens on it. The roof is also beautifully
decorated. The terrace on which the temple stands is
built up of sandstone. The main Mahavira temple has
an inner sanctum and three balconied windows. The main
porch of the temple has beautifully ornate pillars.
And the second porch, which was later added on, has
more stylish construction. The other Jain temples are
quite smaller and are uniform to some an extent. Only
little differentiation can be seen among them.
Sachiya Mata Temple Ossian
The Ossian Sachiya Mata temple near Jodhpur was originally
built in the 8th century. However, the temple complex
that now stands dates back to the 12th century. The
Sachiya Mata Osiyan Temple in Rajasthan is dedicated
to Sachi Mata. Sachi Mata, also known as Indrani, was
the consort of the rain-god Indra. According to the
legend, Indra married her for her voluptuousness. The
main shrine, along with the other two temples - the
Chandi Ka Mandir and the Amba Mata Mandir, was constructed
around circa 1178.
For entering the Sachiya Mata temple complex, one can
use a series of magnificently sculpted arches. The temple
complex was built in several phases, rather than in
one go. Inside it are beautiful images and sculptures
of Hindu deities. Located at the north-end of the complex
is a sculpture of Varaha (boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu).
And to the east is an image of Vishnuji with Lakshmiji.
Lying to the west is a stone slab coming out of the
walls, full of sculptures.
The latest additions to the temple were carried on
in the 12th century. Since then the temple has remained
unchanged. The temple is a beauty of architecture. It
is an architectural splendor that can be compared to
any other throughout India.
Surya Temples Ossian
The Ossian Surya Temples near Jodhpur was constructed
in the 10th century. It is quite similar to the Sun
Temple at Ranakpur. Surya Osiyan Temples in Rajasthan
are dedicated to the Sun god, Surya. The inner complex
of the temple houses the statue Surya. Also within the
temple complex are the sculptures of the Ganeshji and
Durga Mata. There is also an open mandap (a platform
for wedding and other ceremonial rituals) in the temple.
The first Surya temple, dating back to the 8th century,
has been incorporated into the Sachiya Mata temple complex.
On its ceilings are images of serpents curled around
lotus flowers. Below it is portrayed the life-story
of Lord Krishna. Quite opposite to this, the entrance
has erotic images of couples clutching each other in
amorous embraces.
Inspite of all the beauty and splendor, the Ossian
Surya Temples are ignored. The grace of the temples
is slowly fading away due to neglect. The apathy is
causing the temples to loose their sheen.
Harihara Temples Ossian
There are three Ossian Harihara temples near Jodhpur.
These temples are dedicated to Lord Harihara (A union
of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu). The first two of the
Harihara Osiyan Temples in Rajasthan were constructed
in the 8th century. On the other hand, the third one
was added in 9th century. The temples are raised on
huge plinths. Almost every space in the temples is sculpted
to a great extent.
However, one thing worth noticing in the Harihara temples
is that the architecture is far more advanced than some
of the other temples in Ossian. The pillar sculptures
of the porch are especially quite complex. Another fact,
a sad one, about these temples is that time has had
its bad effect on them. For example, the first temple
has witnessed much ruination of its ornamentation. It
is now only left with its beautiful archway and the
porch columns of the shrines.
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