SURYA TEMPLE - OSIAN

Osian Temples

Location: Osian, Near Jodhpur 8th -11th century AD Dedicated to: Lord Mahavira, Sachi Mata, Lord Surya The city of Osiyan is said to have founded by Utpaladeva, who

was a Rajput Prince belonging to Pratihara Dynasty. In those times, the city was named as Ukesha or Upkeshapur. During the Pratihara dynasty, Osian is believed to be the major religious and cultural centre of the Mewar kingdom. A major number of shrines are devastated with the ravages of the time, however 18 shrines are still there unfolding the royal legacy of past. 

Amongst these temples, Surya (Sun) Temple, Harihara Temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and a Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira are of prime importance. Osian is regarded as a prominent pilgrimage site for the Oswal Jain community.

MAHAVIRA TEMPLE

Mahavira Temple

In 783 A.D, the Jain Temple was built by Pratihara King Vatsa. Dedicated to Lord Mahavira (24th Jain Tirthankara). The main door is carved with an impression of young maidens on it. Intricately carved pillars adorn the site of the main porch.. The main shrine is situated on a high platform made of sandstone. The sanctum encompasses the idol of Lord Mahavira. In the hall, three balconies make the sanctum well ventilated. 

Sachiya Mata Temple

The initial structure of Sachiya Mata temple was built in the 8th century. However, the present temple was materialized during the 12th century. Sachiya Temple is dedicated to Sachi Mata. Wife of Lord Indra (Rain God), Goddess Sachi is also known as Indrani. The temple complex has two other shrines that are dedicated to Chandi Devi and Amba Mata respectively. Built in many phases, Sachiya Mata Temple can be entered through a series of wonderfully sculpted arches. 

The interiors of the temple are decorated with beautiful images and sculptures of deities from the Hindu pantheon. In the north, a sculpture of Varaha (Incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Boar) embellishes the site, whereas an image of Lakshmi-Vishnu is visible in the east. A stone slab crammed with sculptures, emerging from the wall, can be traced in the west. This ancient temple is a perfect example of the medieval architecture.

Sachiya Mata Temple

Harihara Temples

The city of Osian also boasts of three Harihara temples. Dedicated to Lord Harihara (A union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu), these temples are built on a raised platform. In the 8th century, the first two temples took their shape, whereas the third temple was built in the 9th century. All the temples are resplendent with sculptures. The architecture of these temples is a little different and advanced as compared to the other temples of Osian.

Harihara Temple

Surya Temple

Osian Surya Temple traces its origin to the 10th century. The structure of the temple is often compared with the Sun Temple at Ranakpur. As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Lord Surya or Sun God. The sanctum comprises the striking idol of Lord Surya. The main hall also has the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga. The ceiling is festooned with the images of serpents coiled around lotus flowers. The initial Surya Temple dates back to the 8th century and it was later merged into the complex of Sachiya Mata Temple. 

PLAN1. Garbagriha2. Mantapa

In the Surya temple, the shikhara, instead of being a slender tapering form, acquires more body and rises up in a single, more confident curve towards a disc-like kalasha stone capping the apex.

The mantapa is equally dignified. It emerges as a rectangular hall with its flat roof held up over rows of stately square columns rising up from a substantial plinth.

The slenderness of the columns of the entrance portico, which rise up straight from ground level, is emphasized by vertical flutings on their circular shafts.

Surya temple (Sun temple)

Ossian Surya Temple traces its origin in the 10th century. The structure of the temple is often compared with the Sun Temple at Ranakpur.

As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Lord Surya or Sun God. The sanctum comprises the striking idol of Lord Surya.

The main hall also has the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga. The ceiling is festooned with the images of serpents coiled around lotus flowers.

The life-story is depicted here in the form of murals and scriptures. The initial Surya Temple dates back to the 8th century and it was later merged into the complex of Sachiya Mata Temple. 

This temple shows the north Indian style - a high tower called a shikhara, and an open porch for visitors to the temple, called a mandapa. North Indian temples also had a high porch, like earlier Etruscan and Roman temples

Surya temple

Sculptures