The Osiya Mata Temple, located at Osian near Jodhpur in Rajasthan, stands as a testament to the rich cultural and religious history of the region. Dedicated to Goddess Osiya, an incarnation of Goddess Durga known as Mahishasuramardini, this temple has been a center of worship for various communities spanning Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and North India. The temple's origin can be traced back to Thursday, the 10th day of the bright half of the Chaitra month in Samvat 1234 (1177 CE) during the Gurjara Pratihara period.
The Parmar Rajputs, who were ardent worshippers of Goddess Durga, built the temple. The Parmars considered the Goddess as Sachchi Dhaya, the real Nourisher Mother. The deity in the temple is a magnificent idol of Goddess Durga, depicted in her Mahishasura Mardini form, seated on a lion and triumphing over the Buffalo-formed demon, Mahishasura.
The temple's architecture follows the Nagar style, with an
artistically crafted Garbh Griha (sanctum sanctorum) and Sabha Mandap (prayer
portico). The hall is adorned with projections on its upper supports, intricate
lattice work, and special ornamentation on the lower parts of the walls. The
entrance hall features nine bracketed entrances, adding to the grandeur of the
temple, and the entire length is 24 meters.
The significance of the Osiya Mata Temple extends beyond the
Parmar Rajputs, as both Hindus and Jains worship the Goddess as their clan
patroness. The Oswals of the Jain community, in particular, regard the Goddess
as their clan deity, tracing their origin to Osia.
The temple hosts various Hindu festivals, with special
emphasis on the Navaratras of Chaitra and Ashwin months. Devotees from far and
wide visit the temple during these festivals, seeking the blessings of the
Goddess. The temple witnesses a constant flow of visitors who come with their
wishes, circumambulate the sanctum sanctorum, and make offerings at the feet of
the Goddess. Newlyweds seek blessings for a happy married life, while the first
ceremonial head shaving of a child is also a significant event held at the
temple.
In addition to Goddess Osiya Mata, other deities such as
Vishnu, Hanuman, Ganesha, Shiva, and Satyanarayan are also worshipped in this
sacred place, creating a harmonious blend of various aspects of Hindu
spirituality. The Osiya Mata Temple stands not only as a religious site but
also as a cultural heritage reflecting the diversity and unity of the
communities that revere it.