Saturday, December 20, 2008

Ossian Jodhpur

Harihara Temples Ossian
There are three Ossian Harihara temples near Jodhpur. These temples are dedicated to Lord Harihara (A union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu).
Ossian is located at the edge of the Thar Desert, 65 kms north west of Jodhpur. Though Ossian does not figure in the regular tourist guides of India, yet this once prosperous city, boasts of more than 100 Hindu and Jain temples dating back to the Medieval age. Legend has it that the town was founded by Utpaladeva, a Rajput prince of the Pratihara Dynasty. It was then known as Ukesha or Upkeshapur.

The temples here are among the earliest of all medieval temples of Rajasthan. Ruins of several temples dot the present day Ossian. The earlier temples are almost like miniature shrines, some only eight feet in height. Among these intricately carved red sandstone edifices, three are dedicated to Harihara- or the union of Vishnu and Shiva. Profusely carved from their raising plinths, pillars and right upto the very pinnacle of the spires, these temples are considered architectural masterpieces even by foreign scholars such as Percy Brown, James Burgess and Herman Goetz.

Ossian Jain Temples Jodhpur
There are approximately 15 Ossian Jain temples near Jodhpur. The most fascinating one of the Jain Osiyan temples in Rajasthan is the Mahavira temple.At the fringe of the Thar Desert lies Ossian, about 65 kms North West of Jodhpur. In the past, this place housed about hundred Hindu and Jain temples that belonged to the medieval era. At present the place is specked with the ruins of these temples. Yet the place has not completely lost its glory as some magnificent edifices are still existent in the ancient site.

The medieval shrines are of short stature being eight feet in height and among them the carved red sandstone structures are dedicated to the conjugation of Vishnu and Shiva (Harihara). These temples are pieces architectural wonders with soaring pinnacle and raised pedestals and pillars.

Pippala Devi Temple Ossian
Pippala Devi Temple has an open-air mandap (a platform for wedding and other rituals), with well stretched out balconies. Only a part of this mandap has still been preserved.The Ossian Pippala Devi Temple near Jodhpur relates to the 9th century and was constructed in the early part of the century. It is a minor temple as compared to the other Ossian Temples. But still, it is worth visiting.

The temple has an open-air mandap (a platform for wedding and other rituals), with well stretched out balconies. Only a part of this mandap has still been preserved. The main attraction of the Pippala Devi Osiyan temple in Rajasthan, India is its splendid columns. However, they could not stand the test of time and have witnessed substantial damage. The other main feature of the complex is the large sabha mandap (assembly hall). It has thirty pillars dating back to the 10th century. It is still in an okay condition.

Sachiya Mata Temple Ossian
The Ossian Sachiya Mata temple near Jodhpur was originally built in the 8th century. However, the temple complex that now stands dates back to the 12th century.
The Ossian Sachiya Mata temple near Jodhpur was originally built in the 8th century. However, the temple complex that now stands dates back to the 12th century. The Sachiya Mata Osiyan Temple in Rajasthan is dedicated to Sachi Mata. Sachi Mata, also known as Indrani, was the consort of the rain-god Indra. According to the legend, Indra married her for her voluptuousness. The main shrine, along with the other two temples - the Chandi Ka Mandir and the Amba Mata Mandir, was constructed around circa 1178.

For entering the Sachiya Mata temple complex, one can use a series of magnificently sculpted arches. The temple complex was built in several phases, rather than in one go. Inside it are beautiful images and sculptures of Hindu deities. Located at the north-end of the complex is a sculpture of Varaha (boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu). And to the east is an image of Vishnuji with Lakshmiji. Lying to the west is a stone slab coming out of the walls, full of sculptures.

Vishnu Temple Ossian
The Ossian Vishnu Temple near Jodhpur was constructed in the later half of the 9th century. It was once an architectural beauty. But now, the Vishnu Osiyan Temple in Rajasthan is showing signs of wearing down with the passage of time.

Surya Temples Ossian
Surya Temples Ossian near Jodhpur was constructed in the 10th century. It is quite similar to the Sun Temple at Ranakpur. The Ossian Surya Temples near Jodhpur was constructed in the 10th century. It is quite similar to the Sun Temple at Ranakpur. Surya Osiyan Temples in Rajasthan are dedicated to the Sun god, Surya. The inner complex of the temple houses the statue Surya. Also within the temple complex are the sculptures of the Ganeshji and Durga Mata. There is also an open mandap (a platform for wedding and other ceremonial rituals) in the temple.


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