Osian Temple (Rajasthan)
The stone from which these temples were
built was extracted from local quarries,
and has managed for the most part to withstand
the ravages of time.
Osian Temple (Rajasthan) Hindu Temples
Osian is a small temple town or
rather a large village. Though in the medieval ages this was a large
and bustling town. Caravans from Arabia, Persia, Afghanistan and
central Asia arrived here to trade.
Osian was also an important pilgrimage center between the 8th and
9th centuries, apparent from the surviving Hindu temples of the
Vaishnava, Surya (Sun) and Shakti (mother goddess) sects. Despite
the fact that the ruling dynasty (Gurjara Pratihara) later converted
to Jainism, Osian continued to attract Hindu devotees to its temple
of the goddess Sachiyamata. This temple is still in use today.
There are 15 brahminical temples and shrines, and a cluster of Jain
temples, all built during the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty between
the 8th and the 12th. One group of 11 temples belonging to the early
phase (8th-9th centuries) lies within and on the outskirts of the
present-day village.
The other group belonging to the 11th and 12th centuries is located
on a hill overlooking the village. Though small, these temples are
beautifully built and richly sculpted. A striking feature is the
variety in their design. Each temple has its original design, planning
and layout.
The stone from which these temples were built was extracted from
local quarries, and has managed for the most part to withstand the
ravages of time.
Other links
Hindu Temples in India
temples
Rajasthan