Exploring the Mystical Town of Osian

BENGALURU: Osian also referred as Osiyan– is an oasis located in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. The town is home to many dilapidated Brahmanical and Jain temples that belong to the time spanning from the 8th century to the 11th century.

There are seven remarkable temples in particular due to which, the town received the sobriquet ‘the Khajurao of Rajasthan.’ The seven temples include the Sachiya Mata temple, Kali taemple, Surya temple, Jain Mahavira temple, Harihara Hindu temples, Piplala temples and the Shri Mandore Bheruji temples. All of them are calm and serene, and glorifies outstanding craftsmanship in its architecture.

Archeological evidences suggest that Osian is a very old settlement and said to have been called by different times during different names – Uvasisala, Ukesa and Upkesapur – pattana. The town was very significant during the reign of the Marwar kingdom and was the centre of both religion and trade. People of this town were originally Hindus and naga worshippers and were greatly devoted to Sachiya Mata. Later on, they were converted to Jainism by Jain Acharya Ratnaprabhasuriji, who is said to have impressed the community with his super natural powers.

Although they converted to Jainism, the people of Osian continued following the naga traditions and were worshipping Sachiya Mata. Hence, both Hindus and Jains conduct their 'Mundan-Sanskar' in Sachiya Mata Temple.

Apart from the temples, the other main attraction for tourists is the sunset camel rides. The Indian Safari Club has made Osian its permanent camp and offers various packages to the tourists.

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