Tourist Attractions in Osian

The prime tourist attractions in Osian are Hindu & Jain temples. For tourists, Osian is an opportunity not just to see exquisite temple architecture but also experience the desert in extreme comfort with a stay in a luxurious camel camp. The guest can also experience camel rides and enjoy the art & craftsmanship prevalent in the villages of Rajasthan. The temple complex of Osian includes a Surya Temple, Sachiya Mata Temple, Harihar Temples, and several Jain temples. These temples are built on high platforms. The temples are made of red sandstone and as is typical of the area, have exquisite sizes and beautifully decorated walls. Among other popular temples are the Harihara I and III temples and the Vishnu III, IV and V temples. Although small in size, all Osian temples have been richly sculpted. Another notable feature of temples is that no two temples are alike in any shape and each temple has its original design. All temples were built with stone from local quarries that have successfully weathered the ravages of time.

The early or ancient-most temples are the most sought-after places to visit in Osian. There are about sixteen Hindu and Jain temples occupying two sites, the first containing the eleven early temples while the rest are built on the second site. The early temples are of the same style and bear a close resemblance to those at Jhalrapatan, Aihvan and so forth in Rajasthan, at Eran, Patan and so forth in the Madhya Pradesh. The early temples of Osian were built between seventh century AD to eighth century AD. An inscription in the outer porch of the Jain temple confirms that it was originally built in the time of Vatsaraj. The other temples, which are exactly of the same style of Jain temple, must be supposed to have been built about this time. These early temples are comparatively small structures, but they are marked by simplicity and elegance. The striking feature of these temples is the variety in their design. No two are alike. One and all show an individuality of conception and originality of composition, which is not generally found anywhere. One of the distinctive motifs of these temples is the vase and foliage convention, which may be generally seen in the pillars of early temples. The doorways, which form the entrance to the temple, are decorated with floral designs, nine planets, snakes entwined to form a curious pattern, their tails held by Garudas, pairs of lovers and a leaf border.

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