Osian

Osian is an ancient settlement on the edge of the Thar Desert in western Rajasthan, regarded as one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the state, with a history of more than a thousand years. In the past it prospered as a halt for merchants, pilgrims and travellers, and today both Hindus and Jains treat it as a pilgrimage centre that draws thousands of worshippers every year.

The main reason to come is the group of old temples, raised between roughly the 8th and 12th centuries, with carved friezes, detailed sculpture and tall spires. Several remain in worship. The Sachiya Mata Temple honours a mother goddess believed to keep devotees safe and prosperous; a Jain temple is dedicated to Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara; and a Sun Temple is devoted to Surya. Weathered ruins scattered around the town recall its busier past.