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Windmills far away in Osian, Rajasthan, India.

Rajasthan

Osian

Windmills far away in Osian, Rajasthan, India.
map

January

4.6 - 29.0 °C

February

7.0 - 33.3 °C

March

12.6 - 39.4 °C

April

18.6 - 43.9 °C

May

21.9 - 46.2 °C

June

23.1 - 45.4 °C

July

24.2 - 42.8 °C

August

23.6 - 40.1 °C

September

22.4 - 40.6 °C

October

17.6 - 39.7 °C

November

11.5 - 35.2 °C

December

6.5 - 30.9 °C


Major Airports :

Jaisalmer Airport (JSR), Jaisalmer

Jodhpur Airport (JFR), Jodhpur

Nearest Railway Station :

Jaisalmer Railway Station (JSM)

Major Airports :

Jaisalmer Airport (JSR), Jaisalmer

Jodhpur Airport (JFR), Jodhpur

Osian oasis: Discover Rajasthan's ancient treasure

Nestled amidst the golden sands of the Thar Desert, just a short drive from the majestic city of Jaisalmer, lies the ancient oasis town of Osian. It is revered as a sacred pilgrimage site by Hindus and Jains alike, with its temples and shrines drawing thousands of devotees each year who come to seek blessings and spiritual solace. Standing with their majestic temples, intricately crafted sculptures and deep-rooted culture, Osian makes the tourists take a journey through time, back to the days of royal grandeur and spiritual knowledge at the very heart of Rajasthan.

Glory of the past

Osian is a city that has a sparkling and glorious past that goes back to over a thousand years and it is, therefore, one of the oldest continually populated spots in Rajasthan. Once a thriving crossroad of commerce and trade on the Silk Road, Osian was a busy merchant centre where people from all walks of life - merchants, pilgrims, and travellers - used to come here from far and near in order to trade, share their experiences and exchange cultural influences. Today, the town is living proof of its past glorious epoch with its wear-and-tear ruins and weather-beaten monuments as silent reminders of those times.

The highlight of the visit to the city of Osian is its majestic temples, which represent the peak of the ancient Rajasthani architecture. These temples are considered to have been built by the Pandyan dynasty during the 8th and 12th centuries, and they are dedicated to various Hindu deities. These temples are famous for their outstanding carvings, intricate friezes, and towering spires that touch the skies. In the course of your wandering the intricate streets and sacred rooms of such old buildings, you cannot but be amazed and appreciative of the skill and dedication that went into their creation.

Pious pilgrimage

Osian is the sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Jains alike, with its temples and shrines visited by thousands of devotees annually who seek blessings and spiritual peace. Among these popular ones is the Sachiya Mata Temple, which is dedicated to the mother goddess Sachiya, whose presence is said to bring safety and prosperity to devotees. In addition, there are other temples such as Mahavira Jain Temple, the 24th of Jainism's Tirthankaras, and the Sun Temple, the solar deity Surya.


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Timings

Opening time - 06:00 AM (morning aarti is at 08:30 AM)

Closing time - 07:15 PM (evening aarti takes place 20 minutes after sunset)

Religious festivals

Across the year, Osian is graced with the splendid colours and festive jubilation of religious festivals and cultural shows that commemorate the rich heritage and traditions of the multicultural population. From the procession and other colourful rituals during the Holi festival to the serious religious prayers and devotional chants during the Diwali festival, each of these events provides visitors with a unique opportunity to get deep into the rich heritage of religious and cultural life in Rajasthan. Whether you are dancing and singing to the dynamic beats or sitting back and taking it all in, the communal feeling of harmony and faith that pervades the whole Osian during this period is simply amazing.

Art and handicrafts

Osian is a renowned place for arts and crafts, with local artisans and craftsmen containing past traditions they got from their ancestors. Explore the streets in the marketplace and the tiny alleys of the town, and you'll come across an assorted display of skilfully embroidered textiles, ornate metalwork, and colourful pottery which demonstrate the effort and imagination of the region's awesome artisans. From looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir to simply admiring the mastery involved in artworks on display, Osian provides you with lots of chances to come close and feel the richness of Rajasthani culture.

Folk music and dance

No corner of Osian should be missed without enjoying the enchanting rhythms and melodies of Rajasthani folk music and dance. The town’s music is not only in the lyrics and melodies of the regional Rajasthani folk songs but also in dances like Kalbelia, which is performed by the nomadic Kalbelia tribe. The whole place is filled with sounds and dance impersonating the spirit of the deserts. You may indulge in a cultural presentation of the region by attending a show at one of the local venues or enjoying the celebrations during the village fair. The Rajasthani folk culture will surely stay with you for a long time.

A cultural and heritage refuge that never fades away

The sun casting its golden rays upon the magnificent temples and lively bazaars of the ancient town of Osian at the beginning of the evening, one simply cannot avoid being charmed by the ageless beauty and the cultural wealth that creates the atmosphere of this magical oasis in the desert. From the sacred temple and shrine of Harshnath and the captivating Osian Musical festival, one can discover the heart of Rajasthan, a place where history, culture and spirituality are beautifully woven into its tapestry of tradition.

Explore greatness beyond Osian

When in Rajasthan, be ready to be spoilt for choices. If you are done enjoying Osian, go ahead and explore the world around you that awaits to be discovered. You could explore the majestic forts and palaces of Jaisalmer like the famous Jaisalmer Fort and the intricately crafted Patwon Ki Haveli which gives an insight into the city's culture and architectural splendours. For the adventurous, camel safaris from Jaisalmer into the Thar Desert are a perfect way to explore the vast sand dunes, experience the traditional Rajasthani hospitality from a desert campsite, and be taken aback by the stunning sunsets upon the golden sands. The other option for nature lovers is the nearby Desert National Park, which is actually a sanctuary for wildlife lovers with its abundant plant and animal species, including the rare desert species such as the Great Indian Bustard and the Blackbuck. Whether you are in search of spiritual tranquillity, or you just want to join the desert adventure Jaisalmer will never disappoint you with her timelessness, vibrancy of culture, and gorgeous landscapes.

Ideal time to visit

If you want to visit Osian, the perfect time is between October and March, the winter months of the year. In this season, the weather is more soothing with a moderate temperature and crystal clear skies, perfect for a desert safari and exploring the old temples of Osian. On the other hand, the area of​ Osian might be recognised as a home for various festivals like the Osian Camel Fair in January, which tourists from all around the world come to see. It's better to have a look at the festival calendar and schedule your trip so as to be able to enjoy the cultural events and festivals in Osian.