Shri Mahavir Swami Temple and Shri Sachhiyay Mata Temple at Osian
1. The Temples of Osian
A pilgrimage to the Holy Temple of Shri Osiya Mataji is the holiest pilgrimage for Oswals. It is said that Osian (also called Osiya or Osiyan) is the beginning place for Oswals and Shri Osiya Mataji is kuldevi (lineage goddess) of Oswals.
Shri Osiya Mataji resides in a temple located in Osian near Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This temple is on a mountain. Several thousand of devotees visit Osian for darshan throughout the year. Oswals come here especially to give Jat (Jay-ti or Jwar) and Mundan. The volume of devotees is increasing day by day.
The temple was originally built in the 8th century. However, the temple complex that now stands dates back to the 12th century. The main temple, along with the other two temples - the Chandi Ka Mandir and the Amba Mata Mandir, was constructed around circa 1178.
To enter the Sachchiyay 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 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 Lord Vishnu with Goddess Lakshmi. 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.
2. History of Shri Osiya Mataji
There was a big temple of Chamunda Mata in Upkeshpur presently known as Osian situated near Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The temple was known for chamatkars and therefore everybody prayed to Chamunda Mata. During navratri, buffaloes were butchered and people gave offerings of flash of buffaloes to please Chamunda Mata. Acharya Shri Ratna Prabh Suri stopped this practice of animal killing. Because of this the goddess got angry and she created pain in the eyes of the Acharya. He did not do anything but continued with the suffering. Chamunda Mata was ashamed when she found that Acharya has not reacted to her act. She asked for forgiveness from the Acharya.
Entrance of Shri Sachhiyay Mata Temple complex
Acharya told her to not allow killing of animals as offering to her. He said that she is doing her own harm by asking her devotees to offer flash of buffaloes or other animals. She will have to face all the wrong done in her name. She was made goddess because of her good actions but now she will have to face the hell. The goddess got enlightened. She told Acharya that from today no such killings would be allowed in the temple. Even red coloured flower should not be offered. She would accept Prasad and Lapsi. Her worship will be done by kesar, chandan (sandal wood) and dhup (incense sticks). She will be happy as long as people are devoted to Lord Mahavira. She would fulfil all prayer of her devotees. On this, Acharya named her as Sachchi Mata. From that day, Chamunda Mata became and known as Sachchiyay Mata.
Imoge of Shri Sachchiyay Mataji (also called Shri Osiya Mataji)
Maa Jagat Bhawani Shri Sachchiyay Mataji also called Shri Osiya Mataji is kuldevi of Oswals and many others. More information on Oswals is available here. Apart from Oswals, Shri Osiya Mataji is also kuldevi of the following gotras:
Samaj: Gotra: Maheswari Sarda, Sikchi, Rathi, Bichura, Biyani, Laddha, Chandak etc. Banjara Gotra not known Jaat (Choudary) Mundel, Lamroad, Dakliya, Chaba etc. Visnoi Bidara, Kileri etc. Megwal (Balai) Vasira (Padiyar) etc.
3. History of Shri Mahavir Swami Temple
Shri Mahavir Swami Jain temple in Osian is one of the largest worshipped Jain temple in western India. It is believed and said that Sachhiyay mata was devoted in the Bhakti of Mahavir Swami so much that she decided to build a temple for Mahavir Swami.
The Upkeshpur king had a holy cow. A vary mysterious thing started happening. Every day in the evening when the cow returned from the jungle, she had no milk left. This continued for a while. The person looking after the cows was asked to explain. The shepherd explained that while the cow was roaming in a heightened land the milk flowed out from her automatically in all the four directions, when the milk was finished the cow returned to the herd. Next day also same scene was seen by thousands of people. King Utpaldev was informed of the incident. Next day the king, the Prime minister and several thousand people gathered and saw the scene. The king narrated the incident to Acharyaji. He understood that this was the work of Chamunda Devi.
Courtyard of Shri Mahavir Swami Temple
Next day at an auspicious hour, the place was dug up and a idol of Mahavir Swami made up of sand was retrieved. In the digging, 9 laks gold coins were also found which were melted and the idol was covered with gold. Later a temple was built. It is said that the opening Pratistha (the way in which idol is installed) was done by Acharyaji on Thursday the 5th day of shukla panchami in the year Veer Samvat 70. At the same time Acharya by his supernatural powers did Pratistha for another Lord Parshvanath temple in Konarpur, which was miles away from Osian.
Sanctum of Shri Mahavir Swami Temple
According to historians, the temple was build in Saka 705 (Year 783 A.D.) by Pratihara King Vatsaraja. The temple is situated on the western outskirts of the village. It faces the north and stands within a walled enclosure. The temple complex has a main temple and seven small temple, four are located along the eastern side and three on the western side. Adjoining the Temple complex is a dharmashala and also a School of Theology which is attached to the Temple trust. The temple is managed by Seth Mangalsinghji Ratansinghji Dev Ki Pedhi Trust and continually has been maintained as a pilgrimage shrine throughout its history.
Impressions from Shri Sachhiyay Mata Temple (Photos by Prof. Richard Mortel)
Impressions from Shri Mahavir Swami Temple (Photos by Prof. Richard Mortel)
