Osian Jain Tirth - Bh. Mahavir

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Location : Near Jodhpur Rajasthan, India

Railway Station : Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Due to specialized architectural splendor, Osian pilgrimage has always been talked about amongst artistic temples. The architecture engraved on the hardest stones is really famous, the temple's own hugeness and its extraordinary beauty is also remarkable. The sanctum sanctorum of Lord Mahaveer, the principal deity of the temple, is a unique presentation of Rajasthan architecture. The main temple and the idols of its principal deities symbolize the early Jain architecture.

On perusing the historical facts related to this pilgrimage it is learnt that its ancient name was Upkeshpattan, Urkesh, Navneri et al. It is also known from Gacch Pattawali of the 14th century that Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri had arrived here in the fourth century before the Vikram Era began and its king Upaldev and minister Uhad, on being preached by him, had adopted Jainism. References reveal that the area of the city was widespread when king Upaldev had got this temple constructed, and it was considered to be one of the prosperous cities of the country.

From another mention, it is learnt that the idol of the presiding deity, established in the temple, was obtained from inside the earth and was consecrated in Samvat 1017 Magh Krishna Ashtami. According to archaeologists, the sculptural art of this place dates back to nearly 8th century. On studying various references, it appears that this city had been established 70 years after the 'nirvana' (passing away) of Lord Mahavir, and the temple was also built almost during this period. Its ruins were salvaged and renovated in the eighth century.

Oswal caste too, which is a prominent part of the Jain society, had originated from Osian itself.

According to archaeologists, Osian is a famous center of the early medieval art and architecture. Some of the temples here had been constructed in the 8th century while some others were built in the 11th century. The principal deity of this pilgrimage is Tirthankar Shree Mahavir. His golden-coloured 80 cm. high idol seated in the 'padmasan' (lotus posture) is auspiciously present here. The construction of the main temple is supposed to have taken place in the 8th century, and it faces towards the north.

Near the gateway is an elevated place for congregation with an artistic arch which was constructed in Samvat 1016. On both sides of the sanctum sanctorum and at the rear, a covered alley has been built, The sanctum sanctorum is a square-shaped. Bhadra, Pratirath and Karna - all the three styles have been accommodated here. The Kumbh at the altar has been decorated with ornamented small idols of gods and godesses including the statues of Kuber, Gaj-Lakshmi and Vayu (Wind) etc. which attract the viewers towards them. Artistic forms of the protectors of the directions have also been sculptured on the pedestals of the gods. The edifices of the sanctum sanctorum have been joined to those windows with highly artistic ornamental hangings, which are placed on Rajsevak (royal valet), Vedika (small altar) and Asanpatt (seat cushion). The presentation of the windows are also no less attractive. These have been ornamented with lotus-flowers, potted plants and herbs-shrubs arranged in various ways.

The ceiling of the deep sanctum sanctorum is the life of the temple's art. The ceiling has a three - tier chandelier. Here the splendoured beauty of architecture has come forth in such a magnificent manner that the viewers forget to bat their eyelids. In the first tier are engraved the forms of melodious divine singers and the dancing 'gandharvas' (heavelnly musicians). All the four corners of the first tier are decorated with beautiful musical instruments. In the second tier 'Singh Karn' has been sculptured. In the middle of the third tier all around 'Singh Karnas' have been sculptured, and at its top beautiful forms of pot bells have been constructed.

The summit of the 'Trik Mandap' is in two-tiered chandelier style, like the one over the 'Goodh Mandap' (sanctum sanctorum). On its north are constructed the idols of the goddesses like Gouri, Vairotya and Manasi on Singh Karn. And, on the north of the Western chandelier are the attractive statues of Yakshi, Chakreshwari, Mahavidya, Mahakali and Vagdevi.

The chandelier-ceiling of the gateway 'mandap' is covered by a huge bell. In the three plaques of its triangular arches are sculptured the idols of Mahavidya, Kali, Mahamasi, Varun, Yaksha, Ambika et al. On the thresholds of the temple, the episodes of the lives of Jain Tirthankar Neminath and Lord Mahaveer have been very deeply depicted.

All the four pillars of the hall are quadrangular. These have been ornamented with creepers and plants, nooses of cobras and faces of persons of glory, 'Dev Kulikas' (small idols of gods) have been sculptured on the walls of the Goodh Mandap. A splendid arch is built on the summit of every 'Kulika'. The artistic side of this place too is worth a glimpse. Smaller images of Gods engraved in the temple are actually the jewels of architecture.
This temple is as respected in respect of art, as it is popular in respect of devotion. Here the protecting deity known as Poonia Baba is installed in the form of a cobra couple, who fulfills the wishes of the devotees.

Constructed nearly a km. away from the temple is the popular temple of Shree Sachchitaya Mata, where hundreds of devotees visit every day to get their wishes fulfilled.

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Address : Osiyan, Jodhpur, Rajasthan - 342303

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Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation
www.jainsamaj.org
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