Osian is an ancient town in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, India. Other name of this place is Khajuraho of Rajasthan. This is an Oasis in the Thar Desert. Major attractions of this place are Jain and Brahmanical temples dates back to 8th and 11th centuries. Golden sand dunes surround this place. Architectures and carvings of this place are so attractive. Camel Safari is most famous in the desert.
What to see in Osian:
Kali Temple: Devi Kali is worshipped here. Devi Kali is an incarnation of Goddess Durga. This is most ancient temple which dates back to 8th century.
Sun Temple: Lord Sun is worshipped here. This temple is dates back to 10th century. Images of Serpents coiled around lotus flowers on the ceiling of the temple. This temple looks like temple at Ranakpur.
Harihara Hindu Temples: Harihara Temples are located in the southern part of the Osian. It is group of 3 temples. Two temples are constructed in 8th century and one was constructed in 9th century. When compared with other temples of Osian, architectures of these temples were so advanced. Lord Krishna and Radha dancing postures on the walls of the temples are so attractive.
Sachiya Mata Temple: Goddess Sachi Mata is worshipped here. She is the wife of Lord Indra. This temple is most popular among Jains also and they conduct Mundan Sansakar at this temple. Oswal Jains also worshipped Goddess Sachi. Other two shrines of the temple are Amba Mata Mandir, Chandi Ka Mandir. At the east end of the temple complex, Lakshmi and Vishnu images can be seen and at the north end to the temple, Varaha sculpture can be seen who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Pipplala Temples: It is a small temple of Osian which was constructed dates back to 9th century. Major attractions of this temple are 30 pillars assembly hall, large sabha Mandap and columns.
Jain Mahavira Temple: This temple was dedicated to Lord Mahavira, 24th Jain Thirthankara. In 783AD this was constructed by Gurjara Pratihara King Vatsaraja. Architecture of this temple is so attractive. Young Maidens impressions can be seen at the main door of the temple. Height of this temple statue is 32inches.
What to see around Osian:
Shri Mandore Bherji: It is located in Mandore which is 51kms away from Osian. This is the temple of Oswal Community people. Lord Bherji is worshipped here. This temple also consists of 33 crores god shrines.
Jodhpur: It is located 67kms away from Osian. This place is famous for temples and forts. History of Jodhpur dates back to 1100 BC. Rajasthani Textiles, Jewelleries, handicrafts are most popular at this place. This place is known as Golden city of Rajasthan.
Khimsar: It is located 65kms away from Osian. This is converted into heritage hotel. It was 16th century fort. This place is famous for birds.
Getting to Osian: Osian is well connected with road ways. From Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner etc buses come to this place. Nearest railway station is located at Jodhpur which is 67kms away from Osian. From Kota, Jaipur, Bikaner, Guwahati etc trains come to this place. Nearest airport is located at Jodhpur. This airport is well connected with Udaipur, Mumbai and Delhi.
Getting around Osian: This place can be explored through foot. Camel safari in this town is one of the attractions of this place. Buses and Taxis are available to visit the surrounding places of Osian.
Best time to visit Osian: Best time to visit this place is between November to March.
Where to stay in Osian: Accommodations are limited at this place. Plenty of accommodations are available at Jodhpur. Luxury hotels provide camel safaris.
Where to eat in Osian: Eateries are limited in Osian. Almost all the eateries serve local Rajasthani food.