Osian is a small town known for its temples. Though a small village now, history confirms that Osian was once a large and prosperous city. So large in fact, that according to the local story, Osian at the height of its prosperity had its grain market in the town.

Osian was an important pilgrimage centre between the 8th and 9th centuries, apparent from the surviving Hindu temples of the Vaishnava, Saura (Sun) and Shakti (mother goddess) sects. Later, inspite of the ruler's adoption of Jainism, Osian continued to attract Hindu devotees to its temple of the goddess Sachiyamata (a folk transformation of Mahishasuramardini), still in use today.

There are 15 brahminical temples and shrines, and a cluster of Jain temples, all built during the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty between the 8th and the 12th centuries: testimony to the significance of religion in the life of its people for 400 years. One group of 11 temples belonging to the early phase (8th-9th centuries), lies within and on the outskirts of the present-day village. The other group belonging to the 11th and 12th centuries is located on a hill overlooking the village. Though small, these temples are beautifully built and richly sculpted. A striking feature is the variety in their design. Each temple has its original design, planning and layout.

The stone from which these temples were built was extracted from local quarries, and has managed for the most part to withstand the ravages of time.

This ancient village is the gateway into the merciless Thar desert and is legendary for it's mesmerizing 6th / 8th century temples, sand-dunes and diversity of Rajasthani culture and tradition. Besides the comfortable camel safari one also gets to see proud local tribes--- Bishnois, Bhils, shepherds, potters, weavers etc. In their natural surroundings. And not to mention the various varieties of desert wildlife-the likes of blue bulls, gazelles, foxes, peacocks, partridges etc.

Discovery Full Circle Tours offer various tour packages to Rajasthan. Pick up one of our tour to Enjoy Osian on your next Indian Holidays.

Mail us: mktg@discoveryfullcircle.com