Udaipur To Osian Jain Temple
The Mahavira Jain Temple in Osian is a renowned tourist attraction and a significant Jain pilgrimage destination, bearing witness to ancient devotion and architectural brilliance. Its splendid legacy dates back to the reign of Pratihar king Vatsaraj, reflecting a rich historical heritage.
This temple is dedicated to the twenty-fourth Tirthankar of Jainism, holding immense religious importance for Jain devotees who visit seeking spiritual enlightenment. Jainism, a religion divided into two major sects, Digambara and Shvetambara, proudly finds representation in the Mahavira Temple in Osian, which belongs to the Shvetambara sect. It serves as a powerful symbol of their unwavering faith and devotion.
The illustrious Mahavira Jain Temple in Osian, an architectural marvel with a rich history, has witnessed gradual enhancements over the centuries. The 'nalamandapa,' a notable addition, was erected subsequently over the staircase, demonstrating the temple's evolving design and structural beauty. Furthermore, the exquisite 'torana' or entrance archway, which stands as a remarkable feature, is believed to have been added even later, possibly during the eleventh century AD. Notably, the sanctum sanctorum of the Mahavira Temple is elevated on a grand platform crafted from sandstone, adding to the temple's grandeur and significance.
If you plan to visit the Mahavira Jain Temple in Osian, it is essential to be mindful of the temple's operating hours:
Monday to Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. To make the most of your visit and experience the temple's splendor at its finest, consider planning your trip during the following periods:
Best time to visit: October to March Please note that the temple tends to be crowded during Mahavir Jayanti and other Jain festivals.
Historical Background:
This majestic temple was originally commissioned by King Vatsaraja, a ruler from the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty, in the year 783 AD. A remarkable chapter in the temple's history unfolded in 956 AD during the reign of Aacharya Ratna Prabhasuri when it underwent significant renovations. A crucial inscription stone discovered at the Sachiya Mata temple provides valuable insights into the temple's construction and subsequent renovation. While the initial construction took place in the 8th century, subsequent enhancements were made during the 10th and 12th centuries, adding to its structural complexity and grandeur. Among the notable additions, there exists an 'Ornate Gateway' believed to have been constructed in 1015 AD. However, this period of prosperity and the presence of around 100 Jain temples in Osian met an unfortunate end in 1195 during the attacks led by Mohammad Ghori.
Architectural Splendor:
The temple is dedicated to Mahavir, a revered Jain Tirthankara belonging to the Svetambara sect. Within the sacred Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), a grand idol of Lord Mahavir is enshrined, depicted in the Padmasana posture. The temple's walls bear intricate carvings depicting Tirthankaras, Saraswathi with her veena, Yaksha-yakshini figures, and ornate carvings of lotus creepers and buds. The temple's artistic allure extends to representations of yogis in meditative poses.
The eastern side of the temple complex features idols of Mahavir and Parshvanatha, while on the other three sides (North, West, and South), carvings narrate the life and legends of Neminatha, adding depth to the temple's cultural significance.
Shree Laxmi Taxi Mahavira Jain Temple in Osian, with its rich history and mesmerizing architectural details, stands as a testament to both spiritual devotion and artistic excellence.