Ossian Temples |
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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. Among the oldest group of temples stands the Sun Temple, which was built in 10th century. They are often compared to the carvings of the Sun Temple of Konark. According to records , right in the middle of the town stood another magnificent Sun temple. This, and a score other beautiful shrines were subsequently destroyed during the Turkish and Afghan invasions of India. Out of the more than 100 temples this town once had, barely 16 stand today. Even these have been ravaged by time. Although majority of the temples at Ossian have decayed with time and have even lost images of their deities- the one temple that remains vibrant is the shrine of Sachiyamata on a nearby hillock. Built in 1234 AD, this temple was dedicated to Durga or Mahisasura Mardini. Today it has become a very important shrine for Jains. |
General Information |
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Origin Early Medieval Age (10th Centurary). |
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Location 65 km Northwest Of Jodhpur,
Rajasthan. |
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Formerly Known As Ukesha or Upkeshapur. |
Prime Attractions of Jodhpur |
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Marwar Festival is held every year in memory of the
heroes of Rajasthan. The festival is held in the month of Ashwin
(September-October) in Jodhpur, for two days during the full moon of
Sharad Poornima. more.. |
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Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the
largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces
in the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels
of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. more.. |
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The only palace built in 20th century under the
famine relief programme, has now been converted into a hotel with some
parts being retained as a museum. more.. |
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Government Museum - Jodhpur This museum has
a rich collection of weapons, textiles, miniature portraits, local
crafts and images of Jain Tirthankars. It is situated in the middle of
the Umaid public gardens.
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Suggested tour packages of Rajasthan |
 Duration : 15 Days / 14 Nights Places Covered : Delhi, Mandawa, Bikaner-Jaisalmer, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Mount Abu, Udaipur, Pushkar, Jaipur, Jaipur, Agra, Delhi 
Duration : 20 Nights / 21 Days Places Covered : Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Gwalior, Shivpuri , Orcha, Khajuraho, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Raipur 
Duration : 9 Days / 8 Nights Places Covered : Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Mount Abu, Udaipur |
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