This ancient town located 65 kms north of Jodhpur (the Blue City) in Western Rajasthan, was earlier known as Upkeshpur and was a major trading centre between the 8th and 12th centuries. Osian is famous as it is home to 2 clusters of the largest group of ruined Brahmanical and Jain temples dating back to the 8th century.
History: During the medieval period, Osian was a large and bustling town as caravans from Arabia, Persia, Afghanisthan and Central Asia arrived here for trade. Osian was also the capital of the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty from the 8th to the 12th century.
Best For:
Osian is visited for its richly sculpted temples and colourful frescoes. The finely carved ancient temples of Osian rival the Hoysala temples of Karnataka and the Sun Temple of Konark in Orissa. Camel safaris and birdwatching expeditions also attract visitors to Osian.
The summer temperatures range between 45 Degree Centigrade and 25 Degree Centigrade, while the winter is cooler varying from 18 Degree Centigrade to 4 Degree Centigrade. The rainy season is usually between July to mid- September so the best time to travel is between October to March.
It is better to get foreign currency exchanged at Jodhpur airport or at the State Bank of India at Jodhpur rather than at Osian, where this facility is not available.
By air: The nearest airport is at Jodhpur from where Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate flights to and from Delhi (via Jaipur) and Mumbai (via Udaipur)
By Road:There are regular buses from Jodhpur to Osian. Operating every half hour, they cover the distance within one and half hour. A return taxi from Jodhpur can also be arranged.
By Rail: The 65 kms journey from Jodhpur to Osian can be covered by train in about one and half hours as the Osian railway station is situated on the Jodhpur – Phalodi line of the North Western Railway.
The main tourist attractions at Osian are the 15 Brahmanical Hindu temples and shrines as well as the Jain temples dating between the 8th and 12th centuries. These are very small, beautifully built and richly sculpted temples, their main feature being that no two temples are alike in any manner. Each temple has its own unique design, planning and layout. The walls of the temples have central projections with carved panels and above these rise curved towers topped by ‘amalakas’. Doorways are decorated with sculptures of river goddesses, serpents and scrollwork. It is an incredible fact that the stone for the temples was extracted from local quarries and has managed to survive so many centuries.
The first group of temples dating to the 8th and 9th centuries is located within and on the outskirts of Osian, while the second group, belonging to the 11th and 12th centuries is located on a hill, overlooking the village.
Sachiya Mata Temple – located on a hilltop about 200 metres from the bus stop, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and receives crowds of devotees, especially during ‘navratri’, the nine nights of worship between October and November. A long flight of steps leads to the forechamber. Sandstone statues of Durga excavated by archaeologists have been installed in this temple. The main temple is flanked by nine smaller temples.
The Mahavir Temple – This is just 5 minutes away from the Sachiya Mata Temple and is dedicated to the last of the Jain ‘Tirthankars’ or ‘great teachers’. Built in AD 783 by Pratihara King Vatsa Raja, it has inscriptions dating back to AD 956.
Amongst the other temples at Osian are those dedicated to Surya, Shiv and Harihar. Although the temples are ruined, they have beautiful carvings. Some fine sculptural work can also be seen at the damaged 9th century Katan ‘baori’ or ‘well with steps’.
Osian Sunset Point is famous for its panoramic view of the sun setting over the golden sand.
Camel Camp at Osian located 60 kms away from Jodhpur and 240 kms from Jaisalmer, provides tented accommodation. Osian Camel Camp tours with Rajasthan Holidays can last from a minimum of 2 days to a maximum of 5 days where visitors get an opportunity to see different species of birds, gazelle, blue bull, Chinkara and desert fox, visit Local Bishnoi settlements, enjoy campfires amidst the tranquil desert or dine at the restaurant tent listening to western music.
Northwest of Osian and about 135 kms from Jodhpur, is the tiny village of Khichan. It has beautiful red sandstone ‘havelis’, some of which are a hundred years old, an attractive Jain temple and a crumbling fort. Khichan also hosts a feast for swarms of beautiful demoiselle cranes known by the locals as ‘kurjas’.
Hotel Bikamkor Garh is a 250 year old fort, which has been converted into a heritage hotel situated 78 kms from Jodhpur and 15 kms after Osian.
Recommended Circuit:
Osian can be visited as a one day excursion from Jodhpur, on way from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, or while traveling from Jaisalmer to Khimsar. If visitors wish to spend more time studying the beautiful temple carvings, then a halt of one night is recommended.
Osian receives a number of pilgrims at certain times of the year but not too many tourists so it is a good place to get a taste of the desert, especially if a trip to Jaisalmer is not possible. An excursion to this enchanting desert oasis, in the heart of the massive Thar Desert, introduces one to the warmth of the local people in the harsh and formidable desert conditions.
