Mahavira Jain temple, Osian


The Mahavira Jain temple is built in Osian of Jodhpur District, Rajasthan. The temple is an important pilgrimage of the Oswal Jain community. The temple is visited by both Jain and Hindu.

History

The Mahavira Temple was is an important tirtha for Jains. According to an inscription found at Sachiya Mata Temple dating back to 956 A.D., it was built during the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty by King Vatsaraja in 783 AD, making it the oldest surviving Jain temple in western India. The temple had its first renovation in 956 AD during the time of Acharya Ratnaprabhasuri. George Michell describes the existing main temple as "mostly 11th century", with parts from the 8th century. The "ornate gateway" is from 1015. The temple was later renovated in the 12th century.

Architecture

The Jain temple is dedicated to Mahavira and belongs to Śvētāmbara sect of Jainism. The temple is surrounded by enclosing wall consisting of garbhagriha, mandapa. The torana in front of the sanctum is rich with ornate carvings of tirthankara in both padmasan and kayotsarga positions. The temple has a large image of Mahavira. The walls of the temple have carvings of yaksha-yakshi, Tirthankara, and vidyadevi sculptures. Vidyadevi sculptures are portrayed playing musical instruments. Eastern parts of the shrine have figures of Mahavira and Parshavanatha. The northern, southern, western walls of temple have carvings of Neminatha's life like birth, war, renunciation, etc.
The temple is protected by Archaeological Survey of India.

Gallery

Citation