Osiya....

Hare Krsna




Osiya is a small village. Famous for Jain temples , Sachiya Mata Temple n Camel safari in Thar Desert. It is just about 65 km away from Jodhpur. It is an important center for the oswal jain community.


The Main entrance poin of Temple.....:)



There are about 160 stairs.....:)

A pilgrimage to the Holy Temple of Shri Osiya Mataji is the holiest pilgrimage for Oswals. It is said that Osiya is the beginning place for Oswals and Shri Osiya Mataji is kuldevi (lineage goddess) of Oswals. This temple is on a mountain. Several thousand of devotees visit Osiya for darshan, mannat, etc throughout the year. Oswals come here especially to give Jat (Jay-ti or Jwar) and Mundan.

The main Darshan Point......:) The temple was known for chamatkars and therefore everybody prayed to Osiya Mata, also name as Sachchiyay Mata.



Inside there are beautiful images and sculptures of Hindu deities.

The main shrine, along with the other two temples - the Chandi Ka Mandir and the Amba Mata Mandir, was constructed around circa 1178.

View of main shrine from the back side, on terrace...:)








There are 9 small temples of NAVDURGA on the back side of main temple, on the terrace with the temple of Lord - Ganesha and Lord - RadheKrishna.

 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.
Osiya Temple
Some more pix taken from diff. directions..... :)

It is believed and said that Sachhiyay mata was devoted in the Bhakti of lord Mahavira so much so that she decided to build a temple for Lord Mahavira. Because of this Bhakti, She will be happy as long as people are devoted to Lord Mahavira. She would fulfill all prayer of her devotees.




There was a story behind the Temple of Lord Mahavira. 

The King of that town had a holy cow. A very mysterious thing started happening those days. Everyday in the evening when cow returns from the jungle, she had no milk left. The person looking after the cow asked to explain why at particular place cow carried no milk. He told that while the cow was roaming in a heightened land, the milk flowed out from her automatically in all four directions. When the milk was finished, the cow returned to the herd.
Next day, same scene was seen by thousand of people and the King.

The King told all incident to his Acharya Sriji. Acharya Sriji understood that this was the work of Mata Sanchi. Next day, at the auspicious hour, the place dig up and a deity of Lord Mahavira made up of sand was retrieved. In the digging, there were also 9 lacs gold coins found which are melted and the idol of Lord Mahavira was covered with gold. Later a temple was built.



This is that golden idol of Lord Mahavira...


As you can see 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 temple was constructed around 775 A.D. And till about 15th century, the other smaller shrines were being added to the main complex.

There is a gallery around the temple.....

The main porch of the temple has beautifully ornate pillars. And the second porch, which was later added on, has more stylish construction.

How to reach there -
Osiya is an ancient town located in the Jodhpur District . It is an oasis in the Thar Desert, 65 km north of Jodhpur, on a diversion off the main Jodhpur - Bikaner Highway, NH 65.

The best way to come to Osiya is via Jodhpur. Jodhpur is well known city connected  by Air, Rail and Road from anywhere in India.. Train, Taxi, State Transport is available to get to Osiya after getting to Jodhpur.

The weather of Osiya is almost very hot. But the best time to visit between November to March. Carry light cotton cloths in summer n light winter cloths in winter. 

Both temples have its own facilities to stay. There is pure veg BhojanShala [ food hall]  too.




A lonely path way in Osiya, Thar Desert.......





 Hare Krsna


Jodhpur


Hare Krsna




Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan n also one of my favourite city for traveling. It's known as The Sun city for the bright sunny weather, and also known as the Blue city due to the Blue-Painted houses.


First of all, I would like to tell you, comfortable places, hotels wahere you can stay in Jodhpur....



Umaid Bhawan Palace : One of the largest private residence in the world, and it was the first Indian palace to use air conditioners and elevators. This monument has 347 rooms and stands ornamented with 110 feet high central dome. Palace named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present owner of this palace. Umaid Bhawan Palace was called Chittar Palace during its construction due to its location on Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur.



 view of palace at night....



 ... it was awsm place to visit n stay once in lifetime.... :)


An outstanding examples of Art Deco architecture, its grandness continues well into interiors, with rich paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana, richly decorated ceilings and antique furniture.





The Royal garden of Royal palace in Royal Rajasthan.....:):):)






Bathroom... marbel flooring..

Living room....


Bedroom....


The pool area is surrounded by lovely murals. These should be enough reason to book a room here.


 pool area...


Umaid Bhawan Model....

Umaid Bhawan Palace has now been divided into three parts. One part serves as the residence of the royal family, the second houses a museum, while the third one has been converted into a five-star hotel. Umaid Bhawan Museum displays a rich collection of pictures, arms, swords, stuffed leopards, clocks and other items belonging to the royal family. It is open to the general public from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, except Sunday.
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 Ratan Vilas - This Hotel was built in 1920.This hotel was perfect place to stay n enjoy with your dear ones, It is peaceful quite place with vintage feeling. The place is old and all things looks antique. Its rooms are old but looking like new. The restaurant serves nice food, not too much spicy. Sometimes there buffet system too.



 There are three types of Eating system....

 Breakfast in the Garden....:)

Buffet under the stars in the candle lit Courtyard.......:)



Dinning Room...............:)






Room and Balcony.....:):)

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Devi Bhawan - Devi Bhawan is the eighty year old residence.  Devi Bhawan offers you modern comforts of a classic heritage hotel and the essence of being a guest of the Royal family. 
The rooms are set in a beautiful and peaceful garden. They have been decorated with period furniture and Indian textiles. All the rooms overlook the garden. There are lots of sit outs where you can soak in the sun and enjoy a quiet cup of tea served by our endearing staff.


 Devi Bhawan........:)
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Ranbanka Palace - The magnificent sandstone building, built for Maharajadhiraj of Jodhpur, Sir Ajit Singh ji, the younger brother of Maharaja Umaid Singh, tastefully blends the lavish interiors and modern comforts.It has varied collection of old paintings, treasure troves and hunting trophies. 





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 What to buy in Jodhpur.....??

 When in Jodhpur, do not just drool over the gorgeous fabrics. Spare a moment to appreciate the age-old Badalas ( zinc alloy pitchers used to carry water) that were carried on long Journeys till bottled water made its appearance everywhere.

Kapra Bazaar - Out of the numerous bazaars of Jodhpur, Kapra Bazaar needs a special mention for the wide variety of items and goods related to Rajasthan are available. Kapra Bazaar is famous all over Jodhpur since it offers a spectacular collection of dress materials.

The most popular goods displayed in Kapra Bazaar are bandhni, lehariya, textiles of block prints and handicrafts.

 Sarafa Bazaar - Sarafa Bazaar is one of the most popular bazaars of Jodhpur. This shopping area is famous for its Rajasthani dresses, saris, Jodhpuri coats, salwar-kameez, turbans. In addition, tie and dye items, beads, jewelries, bangles are bought by a large section of the tourists.Sarafa Bazaar is the perfect place of showing a talent of Jodhpuris craftsman.


 Jodhpuri coat is world famous....:)


 Jodhpur's Royal Turban.....:)

 Mochi Bazaar - Mochi Bazaar is famous for its magnificent collection of jewelry, metal art, furniture and more. One of the most popular items displayed in the Mochi Bazaar Jodhpur is the ‘jutis’ or ‘mojris’. Thats why its named Mochi (shoes) Bazaar (market). The jutis either come in elaborate decoration or in plain style. The royal style which is dominant in most of the jutis is always in high demand. The jutis also come in different vibrant colors; these are bought by tourist as souvenirs, mementos or for the purpose of using.


 Mojris.....:)


 Center of Famous Sardar Bazaar In Jodhpur.....



 Top three Famous Gardens in Jodhpur......

 Mandore Garden -Mandore garden is one of the most beautiful and the most popular gardens in Jodhpur. The garden is open for tourists from 8 am to 8 pm. In the Mandore Garden, there are cenotaphs of Jodhpur's former rulers.Chhatris are built along the Hindu temples, they are four stories high, with fine columns and an elegant spire. They all made for red sandstone. The cenotaphs of the Maharani are set on a rocky outcrop over the hill.





The Garden come alive with Peacocks and Monkeys and the greenery of sacred peepal, banyan, bottle-brush, pomegranate, palm & plantains and bubbling fountains are a feast for the eyes.






In this Garden you will find - "The Shrine of the Three Hundred Million Gods", filled with brightly colored images of the various Hindu Gods. As you climb up the hill, you come to the ruined city of Mandore, with its old palace.
Umed Garden - Umed Garden was developed by Maharaja Umed Singh, that's why its name is Umed garden, it is spread on area of 82 acres. It has five gates to enter. It has lush green lawns with beautiful roses and other seasonal flowers. There is also museum, trees, a library and a zoo and artistically designed fountains.


Viceroy Willingdon inaugurated the zoo in the garden. At the time of its inauguration, the Umed garden had lion, tiger, zebra, ostrich and an emu. But currently it houses different types of birds, local, African and Australian parrots, ducks, rabbits etc.





 view of seasonal flowers in umed garden.....


In the garden complex lies the Government Museum, which houses rich collection of weapons, textiles, miniature portraits, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankars.


Jodhpur's Lakes....... :)

The Balsammand Lake - It is perfect place to enjoy with your family and friends. It was built in 1159 AD. It is an artificial lake, that approx. 7 km from city center of Jodhpur at Mandore road. It is about 1km long, 15 mt. deep and 50 mt. wide. Next to the lake, there is a Palace named - Balsammand Palace, that was built by Maharaja Sur Singh in 1936 for summer vacations.

View of lake from Palace.....

U can enjoy sitting here.......:)


Balsammand Palace.....Here You will also get to see the peacocks, blue bulls, jackals and hundreds of fruit bats in the trees.


Kaylana Lake - It is located 8kms to the west from Jodhpur on Jaiselmer road. This is also artificial lake, spread about 84 square km. In 1872, it was built by Pratap Singh prime minister of Jodhpur. For tourists, there is boating facilities also.




Some views of Kaylana Lake in Jodhpur.... if you visit here, must spend time at sunrise time.... :)



Jodhpur's Monuments......

MeharanGarh Fort : It is situated on a steep hill [150m high] . MeharanGarh  Fort is one of the largest fort in India. It was founded by Rao Jodha in1459.









A path inside the Fort........


This Fort is one of the best in India with its exquisitely latticed windows, carved panels, elaborately adorned window. The fort include - Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Moti Mahal. The fort have seven gates also. Inside the fort, there is a collection of musical instruments, Royal costumes, furniture, Palanquins and the cannons on the fort's ramparts are well preserved. 


The Sheesh Mahal, as you can say also mirror palace - It is the hall full of mirror work. Mirrors pieces in all type of shap decorated in this room very nicely.




Moti Mahal - Pearl Palace was built by King Sur Singh in b/w 1595-1619. It was the public audience hall where King meet his family, peoples, durbarigans [ duty boys] ...




Phool Mahal - Flower Palace - was built by Maharaja Abhaya Singh in 1724-1749. Inside the room you will see the walls full of paintings.



Takhat Vilaas - was the home of King Takhat Singh, that's why its name - Takhat [name of king] Vilas [ Home] . Built b/w 1843 to 1873.





Hare Krsna
abcs