Temples of Osian are renowned for their architectural grandeur and a large number of such religious structures are quite ancient, who origin can be traced to the medieval period. Despite the fact that a majority of innumerable shrines at Osian are demolished today, 18 shrines are still existent in this historical town of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, which reflect the royal legacy of the bygone days.

Historians have asserted that the region of Osian was the chief religious spot of the royal kingdom of Mewar. The Surya Temple, Sachiya Mata Temple, Harihara Temple and a Jain Temple named Mahavira Temple are a few of the several famous temples located at Osian.

Mahavira Temple
Built in 783 A.D., this Jain temple had been constructed by King Vatsa, who was a ruler of the Pratihara dynasty. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Mahavira, who was the 24th Jain Tirthankara. Mahavira Temple draws innumerable pilgrims every year, especially due to its spectacular interiors, richly embedded with magnificent specimens of architectural marvels. Sketches of young maidens decorate the main door of the temple, while beautifully carved pillars beautify the porch of the temple. The main shrine has been built on the tope of a platform, which is quite high and composed of sandstone. An idol of Lord Mahavira is placed on the sanctum sanctorum. There are three balconies inside the temple premises, which act as excellent ventilators. There is a niche in the Mahavira Temple which possess a sculpture of interwined snakes which is said to be worshipped by Oswal Jain, in an avatar called `Adhisthatyaka devetas`.

Sachiya Mata Temple
This ancient temple had been erected in the 8th century and its construction is believed to have been completed in the 12th century. It is dedicated to Sachi Mata, the wife of Lord Indra or the Rain God. Sachi Mata is also revered as `Indrani`, being the wife of Lord Indra. Shrines of Amba Mata and Chandi Devi are the two other important temple structures which are present inside the premises of Sachiya Mata Temple. This temple is said to have been created in several phases and a series of intricately sculpted arches welcome devotees inside this temple. Impressions of Hindu deities embellish the walls of Sachiya Mata Mandir. On the northern walls, inside the temple, one will come across a sculpture of `Varaha`, which is an avatar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu as a boar, while towards the eastern side, there exists an image of Vishnu- Lakshmi. On the western part of the temple, there is a stone slab, which is adorned with beautiful sculptures. Every nook and corner of this ancient temple bears the signs and symbols of architecture which thrived during the medieval period.

Surya Temple
Surya Temple of Osian was constructed in the 10th century, and its architecture bears a resemblance to that of the Sun Temple at Ranakpur. This temple is dedicated to the Sun God or Lord Surya. An idol of Lord Surya is existent inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Surya Temple. Idols of Goddess Durga and Lord Ganesha are also present in the main hall. Impressions of lotus flowers intertwined with serpents decorate the ceilings of the Surya Temple. Scriptures and murals add to the visual appeal of this ancient temple. The initial structure of this temple was built in the 8th century and later it was joint with Sachiya Mata Temple.

Harihara Temples
Three Harihara temples are situated in the town of Osian and are all dedicated to Lord Harihara (Lord Harihara being a union of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva). They are constructed on a raised platform. Two of these temples had been created in the 8th century while the third one was erected during the 9th century. Magnificent sculptures are present inside these temples.

Visiting Information
Visitors and devotees can access the temples at Osian from any place in the Indian state of Rajasthan. They are also approachable from Jodhpur, which is located at a distance of nearly 65 km from Osian. Regular taxis and buses are also available which enable tourists to reach Osian temple.

Millions of pilgrims from all across India pay a visit to these marvellous ancient temples at Osian, to offer prayers to the deities. Osian is home to numerable Hindu and Jain temples, based about 67 km from the north-western part of Jodhpur, most of which are as old as the 8th century. Intricate carvings adorn the interiors of these temples.