Ossian Temples Jodhpur

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.The Sun Temple is the oldest of all temples that was erected in the 10th century and the carvings resemble the Sun Temple of Konark.

Apart from these, 15 Jain temples with striking architectural designs still exist there. The most remarkable of them is the Mahavira temple that is dedicated to the last Jain Tirthankara(saint). The original structure was erected in 775 A.D. and later smaller edifices were added in the15th century. The temple entrance has exquisitely carved female figurines, ornamented roof and carved pillars.

Another noteworthy shrine is the temple of Sachiyamata that stands on a hill and was constructed in 1234 AD. This shrine is dedicated to Durga or Mahisasura Mardini and also exhibits ornate carvings.

However with fleeting time, a large number of the Ossian temples have degenerated and are almost in ruins. The ones which have still withstood the ravages of time testify about their glorious past.

Last Updated on 01 December 2011