OSSIAN - THE SURYA TEMPLE

Immensely eminent as one of the great cities of Rajasthan, the Jodhpur city built by Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathor clan of Rajputs, the descendants of Sri Rama of Solar dynasty is aptly and popularly called a-, the city of the Sun-god. Though the Sungod deemed one of the aspects of Sri Mahavishnu and adorning the first place among the most worshipful Navagrahas and above all lighting up the whole worlds, besides instrumental for birth and growth of all animate kingdom, he is not possessing shrines as many as he should have in proportion to this potentialities infinite and status supreme. Here and there one comes across his images in the ruined temples only. Among nearly a dozen imposing shrines extant, more than half the number are in abject ruins, like the famous Konark temple etc. This once magnificent temple has joined the ranks of the unfortunate ones. It was built in the eighth century, but lavishly endowed later. This belongs to the second group of temples found now in the village called Ossian and ranked as the second, the first being the Mahishasuramardini temple. It was built on a grandiose scale and adorned with superb sculptural pieces. The builder seems to have emptied his treasure to make it a specimen of best artistry of his tune. Every frame elevates and at each step, grandeur enthralls the visitors. The plastic art reached its zenith here and is remaining unchallenged in design a nd beauty though in ruins. The icon is made m a queer design having decorated pillars as feet. A fantastic representation without similars. It is quite pleasant to sight and wrings veneration.

It lies in the village of Ossian, 65 km off jodhpur, accessible by bus.

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