surya temple, mahaveera temple, sachiya mata temple, harihara temples, osian...

2.  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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

8. 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.

10. 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.

11. PLAN
1. Garbagriha
2. Mantapa

12.  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.

13.  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.

15.  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.

16.  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