About the Temple
The city of Ossian was a flourishing town because of enjoying the status of an important trading center during 8th - 12th century. Anciently called as Ukesha or Upkeshapur, the city was bestowed with exquisitely well carved temples due to the legacy of wealth left behind by the Jain merchants. The pilgrims horde this place in large number and the tourists are attracted not only because of the temples but the exciting Thar Desert. The temples of Ossiyan, which are very old, are like miniature shrines. The temples are built in different patterns. Once a house of more than hundred temples, the contemporary city has only sixteen temples preserved. With the ravages of time, the shrines are although ruined, but the grace is the same old. Beautiful Architecture
The architecture of the Osiyan temples is marvelous. The adeptness of the artists resonate in these magnificent edifices. The carvings are such that often they are compared with the Konark temple in Orissa. The intricately carved structure are built in red sandstone. Among them three temples are devoted to Harihara – the unification of Vishnu and Shiva. Even the foreign scholars like Percy Brown, James Burgess and Herman Goetz marvel at the glory and elegance of these immensely carved structure which are embellished from their elevating plinths and pillars to their very summit of the spires.

Must See - Must Do
Sachiya Mata Temple: Perched on a hilltop, the Sachiya Mata is the ninth and the last incarnation of Goddess Durga. Both Jain and Hindu pilgrims flock to the pilgrimage center. Climb up the long flight of stairs and you reach the fore-chamber. The excavated sandstone statues of Goddess Durga have been set up beyond the imposing torana (gaetway). The main temple has been flanked with nine small temples with each incarnation of Durga. Come to the temple during Navaratra and what a splendid view it offers.

Mahavira Temple: Dedicated to the last Jain Tirthankar, the temple is close by Sachiya Mata Temple but more roomy than it. The temple houses an open air pavilion style mandapam, supported with carved pillars. The sculptural work at the temple is simply superb. The legends hold that the image of Mahavira is about 2000 years old.

Sun Temple: The Sun temple at Ossian is amongst the oldest group of temples. The carvings of the temple are often compared with he carvings of the Sun Temple of Konark. During the Afghani and Turkish invasions, the temples were tremendously destroyed.

Tours: Some tour operators arrange homestays, camping, desert walks and camel safaris from Jodhpur to Ossian.

Excursion Trips
Khinchan: Your trip to Khinchan will be a life time experience because of the beautiful demoiselle cranes. The village also shelters some of the beautiful havelis in red sandstone, an attractive Jain temple and a crumbling fort. If you are fascinated by desert, then the place is ideal for you.

Ramdevra: The marooned and windswept desert village has an important temple devoted to defied local hero Ramdeva who lived in the Middle ages.

Jaisalmer: Perched on the Trikuta hills, the city of Jaisalmer is a beautiful place to sojourn. The Golden city has many surprises for the visitors. See the majestic Jaisalmer Fort , Jain temples, and lavish mansion of Jain merchants in Jaisalmer.