Osiyan a temple town of Rajasthan is a very old city, also mentioned as Ukesa or Upkespur or Uvasisala in old texts books as old as 320 BC to 550 BC , founded by Utpaldeva a Rajput prince from Pratihara dynasty it had trade relations with Afghanistan, Central Asia, Persia Burma , Srilanka, it was a stop for Camel caravans, famous as pilgrimage center. Situated on Jodhpur -Phalodi highway about 69 kms. from Jodhpur, It was a important city for Gurjar Pratihar rulers who won it from the Naga rulers and got the title Nagbhatt . People of Osiyan accepted Jainism from Acharya Ratnaprabhasuri Ji who impressed the people with his supernatural powers. Here Jainism is worshiped along with Hindu Goddess Sachiyan Mata and Nag Devta by the people .
Osiyan Group of Temples, Osiyan Rajasthan
Around the small city there are group of eleven temples namely Harihara temple, Surya temple, Vishnu and Pipala Devi .
Kirtimukha at main entrance, Osiyan Group of Temples, Osiyan Rajasthan
Main entrance is decorated with Lord Ganesh and Kirtimukha ( face of fame) are important sign of any Sanatan temple in Indian and South Asian temples, according to Skandha Puran , Lord Shiva created this monster and he ate willingly his body as per orders from Lord Shiva.
The Mandap ,Garbha griha door, Osiyan Group of Temples, Osiyan Rajasthan
Simple and well decorated mandap with dancing apsras, Nags (Snakes) coils and knots and floral carvings all over the pillars and beams.
Beautiful carved Ceiling, Naglok, Osiyan Group of Temples
The ceiling is carved with snakes knotted with each other and hood with a human face and folding hands in praying position or welcoming the Gods , evidence of Naga worshiping in this area .
Naglok on walls near ceiling, Osiyan group of Temples, Osiyan Rajasthan
The side inner wall is full of carvings with men and women playing music and dancing .
Dancing and playing musical instruments, Osiyan Group of Temple
The outer wall of this small temple is full of carvings of Lord Ganesh, Riddhi, Siddhi, Lord Vishnu’s Vaman avtar taking his step to heavens , Raja Bali watching him.
Vaman Awatar step reaching the heavens, lord Ganesha, Ridhhi and Siddhi , Osiyan Group of Temples
On the side wall panels a beautiful carved Lord Vishnu’s avtar Narsimha killing Hirnakashap and one can see Bhak Prahlad bowing on ground in respect for the lord .
Narshimha awatar killing Hirnakashyap, Bhakt Prahlad bowing down to Lord, Osyian Group of Temples, Osiyan , Rajasthan
For more information contact +91 9810506646
Callers from Outside India (+05.30 GMT) +44 7700093414
Office contact ( +05.30 GMT) +91 011 45725562, 45725563, 45725564
Email : promark@promarktravels.com
Website : promarktravels.com
Blog : promarktravels.com/blog