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TEMPLES · RAJASTHANOsian
An ancient desert town near Jodhpur, dotted with 8th-century Hindu and Jain temples and edged by golden dunes.
An ancient temple town in the sands
Osian, about 65 km north of Jodhpur, is an ancient desert town famous for a remarkable cluster of Hindu and Jain temples dating back to the eighth and ninth centuries, when it was a thriving trading hub.
Its finely carved shrines — sometimes called the “Khajuraho of Rajasthan” — are crowned by the hilltop Sachiya Mata temple and the beautifully preserved Osian Jain temple to Mahavira.
With golden dunes on its edge, Osian pairs ancient sculpture with a taste of the Thar, making a rewarding half-day from Jodhpur for travellers exploring western Rajasthan from Gujarat.
The carved ancient temples of Osian near Jodhpur.
Reasons to make the time
Ancient temples
Finely carved 8th-century shrines.
Sachiya Mata
A revered hilltop goddess temple.
Jain heritage
A superb old Mahavira Jain temple.
Desert edge
Golden dunes and camel rides nearby.
Top sights in Osian
Photos via Wikimedia Commons
How to spend an hour or two
Climb to Sachiya Mata
Walk up to the hilltop goddess temple.
See the Jain temple
Admire the carved Mahavira Jain shrine.
Visit the Sun Temple
See the ancient temple to Surya.
Explore the old shrines
Wander the cluster of carved temples.
Ride the dunes
Take a camel ride on the desert edge.
When to go
Cool, clear days ideal for temples and dunes.
Rare rain brings brief green to the desert.
Extreme desert heat makes daytime hard.
🏜️ Osian pairs ancient temples with dune rides — a sunset camel ride is a lovely way to end the visit.
Timings & entry
- The temples keep daytime worship hours.
- Sachiya Mata sits atop a flight of steps.
Getting there
By Air
Jodhpur airport is the nearest, about 90 minutes.
By Rail
Osian has a small station; Jodhpur is the main railhead.
By Road
About 420 km from Ahmedabad; 65 km north of Jodhpur.
Know before you go
Osian FAQ
What is Osian famous for?
Its cluster of finely carved 8th–9th century Hindu and Jain temples, crowned by the Sachiya Mata temple and the Osian Jain temple to Mahavira.
How far is Osian from Jodhpur?
About 65 km, roughly 90 minutes, making it an easy half-day trip.
Why is it called the Khajuraho of Rajasthan?
For its wealth of intricately sculpted ancient temples.
How far is Osian from Gujarat?
About 420 km from Ahmedabad, with Jodhpur the nearest airport and main railhead.
Can I ride camels at Osian?
Yes, the golden dunes on the town's edge offer camel rides and desert camps.
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