Osiya

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about Osian, authored by Brajendranath Sharma:

Book Title: Osian Author: Brajendranath Sharma Source: Z_Agarchand_Nahta_Abhinandan_Granth_Part_2_012043.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/210336/1

This document, an excerpt from the Z_Agarchand_Nahta_Abhinandan_Granth (Part 2), presents a detailed account of the historical and archaeological significance of Osian, a town located 32 miles northwest of Jodhpur. Authored by Brajendranath Sharma, the text highlights Osian's rich past as a prominent cultural and religious center, particularly its architectural and sculptural marvels.

Historical Overview:

• Osian, anciently known by names like Upesh, Upkesh, and Uvsishal, has a history that stretches back to at least the 8th century.
• During the 8th century, it was part of the Pratihara Empire, and several temples built during this era still stand today, showcasing the high standard of architectural craftsmanship of the time.
• Following the decline of the Pratihara power, Osian became an integral part of the vast Chauhan Empire. By the late 12th century, under Chauhan king Kumar Singh, it had transformed into a sprawling city.
• Like Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, Osian is renowned for its architecture and sculpture, featuring a significant concentration of both Hindu and Jain temples. Some of Osian's temples predate the medieval temples of Khajuraho by several centuries.
• The city's prosperity, however, was not to last. According to the 'Upkeshgachchaprabandh', Turkish forces passed through in 1195 AD, destroying this important and beautiful city. Its residents, including Oswal Jains, fled to various other locations.

Architectural and Sculptural Highlights:

The text focuses on several key temples and their significant sculptural representations:

1. Harihar Temple No. 1:

   • Located outside the village, this temple has an empty sanctum but features a Garuda-mounted Vishnu idol on the lintel.
   • Below Vishnu are depictions of the nine planets (Navagrahas), and the door jambs are adorned with floral motifs, serpent couples (Naga-dampati), and figures of Ganga and Yamuna with their attendants. A notable depiction of a woman wringing water from her wet hair is also mentioned.
   • The exterior showcases figures of Yama on his buffalo, Ganesha, Trivikrama (with his left leg raised), a seated Surya with a crescent moon behind his head, and Agni on his ram.
   • At the rear of the temple are Indra on his elephant Airavata, and the composite deity Harihara (Vishnu and Shiva). Sculptures of Trishulpurush and Nandi are to Harihara's right, and Garuda to their left. Further along are standing Surya and seated Shiva on Nandi.
   • To the right of the temple is Kuvera, followed by a four-armed Mahishasuramardini (Durga slaying the buffalo demon). The depiction of Mahishasuramardini is similar to those found in Mathura, though here she lacks a beard. Two guardian deities (Dikpalas) are also present but are heavily damaged.
   • The middle niche displays Vishnu's Narasimha avatar, and next to it is a multi-faced Brahma.
   • The upper register depicts various scenes from Krishna's life, including his birth, Putana's slaying, Putana Vadh, Kalia Daman, Arishtasur Vadh, Vatsasur Vadh, Kuvalayapida Vadh, and Govardhanadhari Krishna.

2. Mini-temples around Harihar Temple No. 1:

   • Four small shrines surround Harihar Temple No. 1. One is completely destroyed, but it once contained sculptures of Kankali Mahishasuramardini and Shringar-Durga. The 12-armed Shringar Durga, seated on a lion, is described as adorning herself. Similar sculptures are found in Abhaneri and Roda, dating to the 8th century.
   • The small shrine to the left and rear of the main temple houses standing Surya and artistic sculptures of Revanta (Surya's son) on horseback.
   • The small shrine to the right and rear features standing Vishnu and Garuda-seated Vishnu.
   • In front of the main temple, on the corners, are sculptures of dancing Ganesha and seated Kuvera, symbolizing happiness and prosperity. To the left of the main temple is a statue of Buddha in meditation.

3. Harihar Temple No. 2:

   • This temple's side panels also feature various scenes from Krishna's life, as well as sculptures of the Ashta-Dikpalas (eight guardian deities), Ganesha, Trivikrama, Vishnu, Harihara, Surya, Shiva, Mahishasuramardini, Narasimha, and Brahma. It was also a Panchayatana-style temple. A significant depiction of Shiva and Parvati's wedding, known as "Kalyan Sundar," is present here, similar to those in Kaman, Kannauj, and Ellora.

4. Harihar Temple No. 3:

   • Similar to the previous two Harihar temples, this one also displays numerous scenes from Krishna's life, along with sculptures of Ashta-Dikpalas, Shiva, Narasimha, Trivikrama, Surya, Ganesha, and Mahishasuramardini.

5. Temples No. 4 and 5:

   • The sculptural style in these temples is consistent with the earlier ones. Temple No. 4 has a standing Vishnu idol at the top. Temple No. 5 is located near the stepwell (Bawadi) in Osian and features Dikpalas, Ganesha, Surya, Vishnu, and Mahishasuramardini.

6. Surya Temple:

   • Built around the 10th century, the Surya Temple is considered the finest among all temples in Osian from an artistic perspective. Surya worship was particularly prevalent in Rajasthan, as evidenced by ancient temples and idols.
   • Unfortunately, the sanctum of this temple is also devoid of its original Surya idol.
   • The door jambs feature Ganga and Yamuna, exemplary of Pratihara art.
   • Starting from the left side, the temple features a sculpture of Balarama under serpent hoods, followed by sculptures of the Dikpalas Nirriti and Kubera.
   • An idol depicting the "Ganapati Abhishek" is present, followed by Varaha rescuing the Earth (similar to Udayagiri, Eran, and Mahabalipuram).
   • At the rear of the temple is a sculpture of Revanta on horseback with a hunting party and a dog. A standing Surya, with broken hands, is also depicted.
   • A one-faced Brahma with a beard is shown, similar to one found in a small shrine at Pushkar.
   • The right side of the temple includes Narasimha avatar, Parvati, Vishnu, and Varuna standing on his makara vehicle.
   • The central and most beautiful sculpture is a ten-armed Mahishasuramardini. She is depicted holding various weapons like a sword, shield, bow, and arrow, slaying the buffalo demon with a trident. The demon's decapitated head lies near her left foot, and its torso, in human form, is preparing to fight her. The artist has masterfully depicted a serene expression on the Devi's face even amidst fierce combat, a notable characteristic of this sculpture. Similar beautiful sculptures are found at the Ambika temple in Jagat.

7. Piplad Mata Temple:

   • Located near the village, to the right of the Surya Temple, this temple is described as pure and sacred.
   • Much of its front portion is damaged. The temple pillars are highly artistic.
   • The sanctum houses large statues of Kubera, Mahishasuramardini, and Ganesha on a platform. Kubera, with his wife Hariti, is seated, holding a goblet and a bag of money. Mahishasuramardini holds a sword, shield, discus, bell, and bow, striking the buffalo demon with her front right hand. Ganesha, to her left, holds a rosary, axe, tusk, and sweet.
   • While combined sculptures of Kubera, Gajalakshmi, and Ganesha are common in Mathura and North India, Mahishasuramardini is usually separate. An inscription from the Sakrayamata temple near Jaipur (Vikram Samvat 749) mentions the worship of Kubera, Ganesha, and Mahishasuramardini, possibly inspiring the combined installation here.
   • The exterior of this temple also features sculptures of Ashta-Dikpalas, Shiva, and another beautiful Mahishasuramardini.

8. Sachiyaymata Temple:

   • Sachiyaymata worship was particularly prevalent in Rajasthan, especially in the Marwar region, with references in inscriptions as 'Sacchika' and 'Sanchika'.
   • This temple is situated on a high hill in the center of Osian village. It is believed to have been established in the 8th century and underwent continuous growth and renovation until the 12th century.
   • The black stone idol in the sanctum, studded with gems, is not believed to be older than the 16th century. Silver doors protect it. Thousands of devotees visit annually. Legends state that due to a curse, no Oswal permanently resides in Osian. The present idol also depicts the Devi in her Mahishasuramardini form.
   • The temple features various depictions of the Devi in her gentle and fierce forms.
   • The exterior walls are adorned with scenes from numerous Puranic stories, including Shiva Nataraja, Surya, Gajanana, Varaha, Narasimha, Sheshashayi Vishnu, and Mahishasuramardini. The Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) is also depicted.
   • Sculptures of various Hindu deities are present, including Harihara, Hariharapitāmaha, Lakshminārāyana, Umāmaheśvara, and Ardhanārīśvara-Shiva.
   • Besides the Dikpalas, there are many scenes from folk life and numerous depictions of erotic couples (Mithuna). A life-size statue of Hanuman is placed to the left of the entrance.

9. Jain Temples (Mahavir Swami Temple):

   • The Mahavir Swami temple is particularly significant among Osian's Jain temples. The text notes the prominence of the Shvetambara sect of Jainism in Osian, as evident from the sculptures.
   • The temple's interior and exterior walls are decorated with sculptures of Jain deities and scenes from social life, offering valuable insights into the lives of people from that era.
   • This temple is also crucial for the study of sculptural art, though its full study is yet to be completed.

Religious Syncretism in Osian:

The text concludes by emphasizing the remarkable religious syncretism observed in Osian. Not only did Hinduism and Jainism flourish side-by-side, but various sects within Hinduism (Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, Saurism, and Ganapatyam) coexisted respectfully. This harmony was rooted in the belief that different deities are merely diverse manifestations of the same supreme being, as stated in the Rigveda: "The wise speak of the One Reality in many ways."