Osiyan: An Oasis amidst the Great Indian Thar Desert

Osiyan is a favorite destination for tourists visiting the western Indian state of Rajasthan. This small town, located approximately 70 kilometers from Jodhpur, is also referred to as ‘Khajuraho of the North’, because of the presence of several famous temples that bear a stark architectural resemblance to the temples located in Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in central India. A visit to Rajasthan is considered incomplete if one does not witness the richness of the religious architecture of Osiyan temples located in this historically rich state of India.

Osiyan is home to several temples considered as important religious sites in the religions of Hinduism and Jainism. The most famous of these are the Mahavira temple, the Sanchiya Mata temple.

The Mahavira temple is an important religious site for Jains, an ancient religion from India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the last of the Jain Tirthankars or great teachers of the religion. The temple was built in in 783 AD by renowned Indian King Vatsa and has remained an important pilgrimage center for Jains since then. The temple is renowned for its beautiful architecture that features an open-air pavilion supported by large pillars with intricate carvings. The main shrine is built on a high platform made of sandstone and houses an imposing idol of Lord Mahavira. All over the temple, beautiful carvings of celestial beings can be seen.

The Sachiya Mata temple is dedicated to Sachiya Mata (mother) who is believed to be the wife of Lord Indra (Rain God) in Hindu mythology. The temple is famous for its series of beautifully sculpted arches and is considered an architectural marvel of ancient India.

The Maharaja Express run one tour package for tourists to visit this famous Indian site under the Itinerary, ‘Jewels Of India’. Book your journey aboard this luxurious train and enjoy this historic city in luxury and leisure. For detailed information on this package, please visit the website www.the-maharajas.com

The Journey in which you can cover Osiyan – Jewels of India