Travel to the Osian Golden Town Thar of Rajasthan

by Nisha Parmar SEO Executive

The ancient town in Rajasthan, Osian is a sanctuary in the Thar Desert. Found in Jodhpur District in western Rajasthan, Osian lies 65 kilometer north of the 'Blue City', on a diversion off the Bikaner-Jodhpur Highway.

Surrounded by the golden sand dunes and pithy hamlets of the Thar, Osian was a popular trading center on the Silk Route in between the 8th and 12th century until the trade pertained to an abrupt stop with armies of Muhammad Ghori attacking the town in 1195.

Known throughout the state of Rajasthan as the home to the cluster of ruined Jain and Brahmanical temples, Osian as soon as functioned as a major trip site during the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty, which ruled the whole of the northern India between 6th and 11th century. It was a significant religious centre revered by kingdom of Marwar.

Previously called Upkeshpur, it was a famous pilgrimage website for the Oswal Jain community. Nevertheless, the majority of their shrines and temples depend on ruins today.

At that time, the town of Osian was controlled by the Jains, whose charming wealth left a tradition of elaborately sculpted temples. The town is so famous for its Jain and Hindu temples and sculptures within that it's often described as the 'Khajuraho of Rajasthan'.

Along with Jodhpur, the ancient town co-hosts the festival of Mewar, with a vibrant display screen of Rajasthani folk music and art, each year in the months of September and October.

Famous for its architectural temples going back to the middle ages age, Osian can be accessed easily via Jodhpur. Out of numerous temples coming from Jain and Hindu sects, it's just the staying 18 that still unfold the tradition of the past.

Among the 18 temples left, only 4 get the prime value. These are:

Mahavira Temple: Dating back to the Saka period, the temple was built in 8th century in the honour of 24th Jain Tirthankara, Lord Mahavira. The temple is celebrated for its striking architecture in the center which lies the massive, 32 inch sandstone statue of Lord Mahavira in the Padmasana posture.

Sachiya Mata Temple: With its initial building start in the 8th century, the present day temple emerged during the 12th century and is devoted to Lord Indra's spouse, Sachi Mata. The temple also has 2 other shrines committed to Amba Mata and Chandi Devi.

Harihara Temple: The town of Osian is the home of 3 various Harihara temples. Resplendent with sculptures, these temples are dedicated to a union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

Surya Temple: Tracing their origins back to the 10th century, Surya Temple is committed to the Sun God and is often compared with the temple with the very same name in Ranakpur, Rajasthan.

Of the innumerable, elegant locations in the state of Rajasthan, Ajit Bhawan in Jodhpur is amongst the finest locations to see and remain at in the whole state.

For more information on Rajasthan tour packages contact Swan Tours one of the leading tour operators in India.