About Jodhpur Temples:
Jodhpur “The Sun City” was founded by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, in 1459. It is named after him only. Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India was previously known as Marwar. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It is divided into two parts – the old city and the new city. The old city is separated by a10 km long wall surrounding it. Also it has eight Gates leading out of it. The new city is outside the walled city.
The Ossian Vishnu Temple:
The Ossian Vishnu Temple near Jodhpur was constructed in the later half of the 9th century. It was once an architectural beauty. But now, the Vishnu Osiyan Temple in Rajasthan is showing signs of wearing down with the passage of time. The tower in the shrine has been unfortunately damaged. But inspite of that, the place is worth taking a look at.However, still some features worth seeing are there in the temple. The most striking one is the wonderfully carved and columned mandap (a raised platform for weddings and other ceremonies). Adjunct to the mandap, is a balcony. It is artfully decorated with figures of various Hindu deities. Also, on it is a lot of foliate ornamentation. Located nearby is a Baori (Step well). Approximately one kilometre away from the Vishnu temple is a Ganesh Pillar. The pillar was built to honor Ganeshji (son of Lord Shiva).
The Ossian Harihara Temples:
There are three Ossian Harihara temples near Jodhpur. These temples are dedicated to Lord Harihara (A union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu). The first two of the Harihara Osiyan Temples in Rajasthan were constructed in the 8th century. On the other hand, the third one was added in 9th century. The temples are raised on huge plinths. Almost every space in the temples is sculpted to a great extent.However, one thing worth noticing in the Harihara temples is that the architecture is far more advanced than some of the other temples in Ossian. The pillar sculptures of the porch are especially quite complex. Another fact, a sad one, about these temples is that time has had its bad effect on them. For example, the first temple has witnessed much ruination of its ornamentation. It is now only left with its beautiful archway and the porch columns of the shrines.
Ossian Jain Temples:
There are approximately 15 Ossian Jain temples near Jodhpur. The most fascinating one of the Jain Osiyan temples in Rajasthan is the Mahavira temple. It is dedicated to the last (24th) Jain Prophet. The main temple was constructed around 775 A.D. And till about 15th century, the other smaller shrines were being added to the main complex.Ossian holds a great significance for the Jain community. This is so because the Oswal Jains (a rich trading community) came from Ossian. Thus, deriving their name from this town. It is because of the donations of these Oswals only that so many temples were constructed. Even their upkeep was possible because of due participation of Oswals.The entrance to the temple complex has carvings of beautiful maidens on it. The roof is also beautifully decorated. The terrace on which the temple stands is built up of sandstone. The main Mahavira temple has an inner sanctum and three balconied windows. The main porch of the temple has beautifully ornate pillars. And the second porch, which was later added on, has more stylish construction. The other Jain temples are quite smaller and are uniform to some an extent. Only little differentiation can be seen among them.
Ossian Pippala Devi Temple:
The Ossian Pippala Devi Temple near Jodhpur relates to the 9th century and was constructed in the early part of the century. It is a minor temple as compared to the other Ossian Temples. But still, it is worth visiting.The temple has an open-air mandap (a platform for wedding and other rituals), with well stretched out balconies. Only a part of this mandap has still been preserved. The main attraction of the Pippala Devi Osiyan temple in Rajasthan, India is its splendid columns. However, they could not stand the test of time and have witnessed substantial damage. The other main feature of the complex is the large sabha mandap (assembly hall). It has thirty pillars dating back to the 10th century. It is still in an okay condition.
Ossian Sachiya Mata Temple:
The Ossian Sachiya Mata temple near Jodhpur was originally built in the 8th century. However, the temple complex that now stands dates back to the 12th century. The Sachiya Mata Osiyan Temple in Rajasthan is dedicated to Sachi Mata. Sachi Mata, also known as Indrani, was the consort of the rain-god Indra. According to the legend, Indra married her for her voluptuousness. The main shrine, along with the other two temples – the Chandi Ka Mandir and the Amba Mata Mandir, was constructed around circa 1178.For entering the Sachiya Mata temple complex, one can use a series of magnificently sculpted arches. The temple complex was built in several phases, rather than in one go. Inside it are beautiful images and sculptures of Hindu deities. Located at the north-end of the complex is a sculpture of Varaha (boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu). And to the east is an image of Vishnuji with Lakshmiji. Lying to the west is a stone slab coming out of the walls, full of sculptures.The latest additions to the temple were carried on in the 12th century. Since then the temple has remained unchanged. The temple is a beauty of architecture. It is an architectural splendor that can be compared to any other throughout India.
Ossian Shiv Mandir:
Make sure to visit the Ossian Shiv Mandir near Jodhpur, while on a visit to the Ossian city. It is a living proof of the Indian architectural brilliance around Jodhpur. The Shiv Osiyan temple in Rajasthan is known for its beautifully carved pillars. On the pillars are embellishments of vase and floral motifs, typical of Hindu religious architecture. The temple ceilings were conceived by quite an imaginative mind and are decorated with lace like motifs.Lord Shiva is often depicted in Hindu mythology as a Maha Yogi. The temples walls have a number of paintings depicting him in various yogic postures. This presents a wonderful sight to the eyes and takes you back to the past. So don’t forget to include this temple in your Ossian itinerary.
Ossian Surya Temples:
The Ossian Surya Temples near Jodhpur was constructed in the 10th century. It is quite similar to the Sun Temple at Ranakpur. Surya Osiyan Temples in Rajasthan are dedicated to the Sun god, Surya. The inner complex of the temple houses the statue Surya. Also within the temple complex are the sculptures of the Ganeshji and Durga Mata. There is also an open mandap (a platform for wedding and other ceremonial rituals) in the temple.The first Surya temple, dating back to the 8th century, has been incorporated into the Sachiya Mata temple complex. On its ceilings are images of serpents curled around lotus flowers. Below it is portrayed the life-story of Lord Krishna. Quite opposite to this, the entrance has erotic images of couples clutching each other in amorous embraces.Inspite of all the beauty and splendor, the Ossian Surya Temples are ignored. The grace of the temples is slowly fading away due to neglect. The apathy is causing the temples to loose their sheen.
Achal Nath Shivalaya:
A famous Shiv temple in Jodhpur is the Achal Nath Shivalaya. Nanak Devi, the queen of Rao Ganga, constructed Achal Nath Shivalaya temple of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The construction of the temple got completed on 21st May 1531. There is a large water reservoir called Bawari in the temple, which was made near the Shivlinga. It is known as Ganga Bawari.
The temple consists of the following separate halls:
The Garbh Griha
Mandap Bhavan
Kirtan Bhawan
All these halls are made up of carved Chhitar stone. If you are a Shiv devotee, do not miss this temple on your trip to Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Baba Ramdeo Temple:
Baba Ramdeo Temple of Jodhpur, Rajasthan is situated on the route between the Jalori Gate and the Nagori Gate in Jodhpur, India. It is also known as the Adhar Shila Temple and stands on top of a sandstone hill. The antiquity of the temple attracts tourists to this place. Do add this temple to your itinerary, while visiting Jodhpur.Adhar Shila Temple in Jodhpur, India acts as a symbol of divine devotion and duty. Many unproved legends and local beliefs surround this temple. Just outside the main entrance to the temple, is a tiny rock inscribed with the words “Enter at your own risk”. This inscription lends a mystic appeal of this ancient temple. Also, it adds a mysterious angle to the temple, making it prone to people with an inquisitive mind.
Chamunda Mataji Temple:
The Chamunda Mataji Temple in Jodhpur, Rajasthan is situated in the southern end of the Mehrangarh Fort. Chamunda Mataji was the favorite goddess of Rao Jodha. In 1460, he brought her idol from the old capital of Mandore in 1460. Then, it was installed in the Mehrangarh Fort. Till date, the goddess remains the Isht Devi (the adopted goddess) of Maharajas and the Royal Family.Chamunda Mata is worshipped by most of Jodhpur’s citizens also. During Dussehra celebrations, Mehrangarh Fort is thronged by devotees to get a glimpse of Chamunda Devi. If you are a devotee of Chamunda Devi, do visit this temple, when in Jodhpur.
Kunj Bihari Temple:
Kunj Bihari Temple in Jodhpur, Rajasthan seems like a replica of the Ghanshyamji temple in Jodhpur. Kunj Bihari Temple is another example of architectural splendor in Jodhpur. Specifically the top of the temple and its entrance are artistically made. Devotees of Krishanji should try to visit this temple on their trip to Jodhpur.At the entrance, itself, rests a statue of Meera Bai, the great devotee of Lord Krishna. Inside the temple is the Garbh Griha (Central hall), where, just opposite to and facing the Meera is Lord Krishna. To the right of the statue of Meera, is the statue of a saint, Namdeo. Also to the left of Meera is Hanumanji’s statue.
Raj Ranchhodji Temple:
One of the temples to visit in Jodhpur is the Raj Ranchhodji Temple. Queen Jadechi Rajkanwar built Raj Ranchhodji Temple of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. She got it constructed after the death of her husband, Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Most of the temple is built using red sandstone. Also there are carvings with beautiful filigree work on the stone adorning the temple. Inside the temple is the statue of Ranchhodji. It is made up of black marble. The main door of the temple has stained glass windows of green, yellow and blue color.
Rasik Bihari Temple:
Rasik Bihari Temple in Jodhpur, Rajasthan is located off the Udai Mandir road. It is also known as Niniji Temple in Jodhpur, India. The temple building is quite a fascinating one. It is mainly dedicated to Rasik Bihari. At present, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is overlooking the management and maintenance of the temple.Rasik Bihari temple has meeting halls known as Sabha Mandaps. They are constructed with red sandstone pillars. Inside the temple complex is Garbh Grihai, surrounded by a gallery (for parikrama), made up of white stone. The meeting hall is devoted to Rasik Bihari, Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. It also has statues of Lord Vishnu, Garuda and Hanumanji, resting on both sides of the hall doors. On one part of the main door, you can see Adi Vinayak Ganeshji.
Siddhanth Shiv Temple:
Siddhanth Shiv temple of Jodhpur, Rajasthan lies between Takhat Sagar hills. One has to first take up the road going from the right of filter house on Jodhpur-Chopasani Road. Then, only after crossing the stairs made by cutting rocks, one can reach Siddhnath temple.The place where the temple now stands was absolutely deserted many years ago. Because of its isolation and peace, a hermit Veetragi Narain Swami started staying here. He was a saint, highly worshipped and respected in the nearby areas. At some point of time, a handicapped saint named Gaurishanker, later known as Nepali Baba, also came to this place. He had only four fingers in each of his hand and foot. Nepali Baba, himself, made a big temple by cutting stones. This temple is now known as Siddhnath Shiv Temple.
Udai Mandir:
Udai Mandir in Jodhpur, Rajasthan is an architectural beauty. If you are an appreciator of architectural brilliance, do visit this temple on your visit to Jodhpur. Carved sandstone makes up the upper part of the temple gate. The main temple stands on a huge platform and is supported by 102 pillars. Inside Udai Mandir are beautiful wall paintings with 84 Yogasanas. The pictures of Nath Yogis made up with gold are also there in the temple.The temple also has a Garbh Griha. The upper portion of the Garbh Griha is covered with cloth. Around it, is a railing of finely carved sandalwood, lending an exquisite touch. Inside the temple are gold pots. The main temple also has a grand door that is made up of sandalwood, carved beautifully. The gold polishing in Udai Mandir still has its, almost original, shine and quality. This temple is a must-see for a connoisseur of good architecture.
General Information about Jodhpur Temples:
Location: Jodhpur
State: Rajasthan
Capital: Jaipur
Language: Mewari, Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 42˚C, Min 27˚C (summer),Max 26˚C, Min 14˚C (winter)
Best Season: September to March
How to Reach Jodhpur:
By Air:
Jodhpur airport is located in the cantonment area. It is well connected with the metropolitan cities in India through direct flights.
By Rail:
Jodhpur Railway Station is located on station road and come sunder the Northern railway network of India. It is directly connected with the major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and other cities.
By Road:
Jodhpur has a good road connection .You can reach Jodhpur from Delhi via Gurgaon, Jaipur, Ajmer, Beawar and Pali.If you are on a Rajasthan Tour, then you can make a trip to Jodhpur from Bikaner or Jaisalmer by bus or by hiring a cab.