Osian, Jodhpur

For other uses, see Osian (disambiguation).
Osian
town

Osiyan Temple
Osian
Osian
Coordinates: 26°43′00″N 72°55′00″E / 26.7167°N 72.9167°E / 26.7167; 72.9167Coordinates: 26°43′00″N 72°55′00″E / 26.7167°N 72.9167°E / 26.7167; 72.9167
Country India
State Rajasthan
District Jodhpur
Tehsil Osian
Elevation 323 m (1,060 ft)
Population (2001)
 • Total 12,452
 • Density 126/km2 (330/sq mi)
Languages
 • Official Hindi
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN 342303
Telephone code +91-2922
Vehicle registration RJ-19

Osian (Osiyan) is an ancient town located in the Jodhpur District of Rajasthan state in western India. It is an oasis in the Thar Desert, and has been known as the "Khajuraho of Rajasthan" for its temples. The town is a panchayat village[1] and the headquarters for Osian tehsil. It lies 69 km (43 mi) by road north of the district headquarters at Jodhpur, on a diversion off the main Jodhpur – Bikaner Highway.

Osian is famous as home to the cluster of ruined Brahmanical and Jain temples dating from the 8th to 11th centuries. The city was a major religious centre of the kingdom of Marwar during the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty.[2] Of the 18 shrines in the group, the Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Mahavira stands out in their grace and architecture.

The town was a major trading center at least as early as the Gupta period. It maintained this status, while also being a major center of Brahmanism and Jainism for hundreds of year. This came to an abrupt end when the town was attacked by the armies of Muhammed of Ghor in 1195.

History

Kilometre sign

Evidence suggests that Osian is a very old settlement. Some of its early names include Uvasisala, Ukesa and Upkesapur-pattana. In its early history, the village was a center for Brahmanism. It was a major stop for camel caravans during the Gupta period.[3] The town was an important center for the Gurjar Pratihar dynasty. Tradition states that, after being abandoned for a time, the village was re-established by Utpaladeva (c. 900-950). Utpaladeva converted to Jainism, and turned the village into a center for the religion. However, Jainism had a presence in the village long before that. The town was prosperous and successful at this time. At its peak, it had over one hundred Jain temples.[4]

A niche in Mahavira Temple contains sculpture of interwined snakes which also is worshipped by Oswal Jain, as adhisthatyaka - devetas. This leads us to believe that a sizeable part of the populace in that period may have belonged to naga extraction. Nagabhata II was a Pratihara ruler of Mandore near Jodhpur. It is said that the Nagabhata II must have defeated the nagas and so he must have been given the name Nagabhatta which means 'master of nagas'. 'Nagabhatta' the son of 'Narbhatta' of Mandore line established his capital at Merta near Nagaur, whose old name as Nagapura. The Pratiharas may have conquered these areas from the nagas. Nagapriyagachha of Jain also indicates in the same direction.

Muhammad of Ghor and his Turkish and Muslim armies attacked the town in 1195. The people of the city fled during these attacks. Most of the city, and most of its temples, were destroyed. After this attack, the residents did not return, and the city became deserted.[5]

The Jain Harivamsa Purana refers to Vatsaraja's rule in Saka year 705 (A. D. 783). It is believed that he was highly influiential in Upakesapura (Osian), as inscriptions of Vikram Samvat dating back to 1013 (A. D. 956), and referring to this place, have been found.

Religion

Goddess Osian Idol

It is conjectured from several evidences that the people of Osian were converted to Jainism by Jain Acharya Ratnaprabhasuriji, who had impressed the populace of the region by his supernatural powers.

Osian is an important Jain pilgrimage center for the Maheshwari's and Oswal Jain community. The (Mahavira, महावीर) Temple, built here in A. D. 783, is an important tirtha for Jains built by Gurjara Pratihara King Vatsaraja.[2]

The Nagas of Osian and surrounding region, thus seem to have continued serpent worship even after their conversion to Jainism and for this reason their parallel worship of Hindu goddess Sachiya Mata by Oswal Jain community seems relevant. The Sachiya Mata Temple also equally old and important situated on a hill north-east of Mahavira Temple, enable us some clues to understand the social history of that period. This Temple was built by Upaldev who is the brother of Raja Punj the son of King 'Bheemsain' (king of Bhinmal).

This has many decorative features of a Jain temple. However, it is dedicated to Sachiya Mata, though Jains also worship here, which also is a matter of interest to understand the emergence of Jain community in this city.

The Bafna, Lunawat, Tated, Parekh, Karnavat and many other clans of Jain community conduct their 'Mundan-Sanskar' in Sachiya Mata Temple there is most famous personality in there this is Bheem Carpernter, Mundel (Jats) carry out their mundan-sanskar at Sachiya Mata Temple, Osian.

Demographics

In the 2001 India census, Osian reported 12,452 inhabitants, 6,555 of whom were male and 5,897 of whom were female, which gave a gender ratio of 900 females per thousand males.[6]

Economy

The nearest airport is at Jodhpur. National Highway 11 passes through Osian. Osian Railway Station is situated on the Jodhpur – Phalodi line of North Western Railway. Astonfield completed a five megawatt (MW) solar power plant in the town, which is the first industry in this holy town.

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Osian, Rajasthan.
  1. ↑ 2011 Village Panchayat Code for Osian = 35850, "Reports of National Panchayat Directory: Village Panchayat Names of Osian, Jodhpur, Rajasthan". Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India.
  2. 1 2 Brajesh Krishna (1990). The art under the Gurjara-Pratihāras. Harman Pub. House. p. 45. ISBN 8185151164, ISBN 978-81-85151-16-8.
  3. ↑
  4. ↑ Kalia, p.1
  5. ↑ Kalia, p.2
  6. ↑ "Census 2001 Population Finder: Rajasthan: Jodhpur: Osian: Osian". Office of The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Archived from the original on 14 May 2013.
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