Osiyan is an ancient town in the Thar Desert, situated 55 km north of
Jodhpur, in
Rajasthan. This quaint little hamlet is famous for its exquisitely sculptured temples, most of which have withstood the ravages of time. It was a major trading center dominated by the Jains in the 8th and 12th centuries.
Osiyan is a major Jain pilgrim center. It boasts a large number of Brahmanical and Jain temples dating back from the 8th to 11th century. Among them, the old Jain temple dedicated to Mahavir, built of local red sandstone, is the major attraction. The statue of Mahavir here is said to be over 2000 years old. Other attractions include the Sachiya Mata temple and Sun (Surya) Temple.
Osiyan Railway Station is a major railhead on the Jodhpur-Jaisalmer. The nearest airport is at Jodhpur. Osiyan is on the Jodhpur-Jaisalmer road.
National Highway 11 passes through Osiyan. Regular buses are available from Jodhpur to Osiyan.
