AESTHETICS OF OSIAN TEMPLES' ART !
I have read about Osian temples being compared those of Khajuraho. Did not find much details on similarity though. Our November,14 visit to Osian was indeed an eye-opener about the rich temple art here ! Structurally, Khajuraho and Bhubaneswar temples are much bigger - often materials of study for students of Hindu temple architecture. But, wall-reliefs and ornamentation of both Sachchiyamata complex and Jain temples' complexes are aesthetically a class in themselves .The deities and the human figures are built delicately. Faces and physique, postures and expressions, ornaments and clothing, composites and symbols - everything measure upto a very high standard og artistry.
The Sachchiyamata complex is built atop a small mound, with stairs running from the street level, with a break in between , where a few other small temples are located. At the top, idol of Sachchiyamata has been placed at the centre of a cluster of temples, with one temple attached with the central one having significant relief work on its roof. Two modest-sized temples are on Sachchiyamata's right and one more on the left . Photographers' delight - somewhat obstructed by deep blue-coloured fabricated barriers .
Closer observation will charm the visitors. We find Vishnu, his Avataras, Surya, Indra, beautiful women, sages with strange expressions and mythical animals in combat placed in deep-set alcoves. Each relief has mark of very matured and superior artistry. Faces, hair-style, dresses and poses speak high about the art of Pratihara dynasty. Dr Asha Kalia , more than 30 years ago, wrote a book on Osian art - wish I had access to this book before my visit.
My wife and I have captured in our camera whatever appealed to our eyes aesthetically. For extensive details, please refer to Dr Asha Kalia's pages in the Internet, in case her book is not available in your neighbouring Library.
View of cluster of temples around SachchyiaMata temple.
History of these temples date back to 8th century AD.
History of these temples date back to 8th century AD.
This cluster of temples welcomes visitors to Osian at its entrance.
Idol of Sri Sri SachchiyaMata.
This temple was reconstructed during 12th century AD.
This temple was reconstructed during 12th century AD.
I have read about Osian temples being compared those of Khajuraho. Did not find much details on similarity though. Our November,14 visit to Osian was indeed an eye-opener about the rich temple art here ! Structurally, Khajuraho and Bhubaneswar temples are much bigger - often materials of study for students of Hindu temple architecture. But, wall-reliefs and ornamentation of both Sachchiyamata complex and Jain temples' complexes are aesthetically a class in themselves .The deities and the human figures are built delicately. Faces and physique, postures and expressions, ornaments and clothing, composites and symbols - everything measure upto a very high standard og artistry.
In the three temples @ SachchiyaMata's temple's level, we have three manifestations
of 'Varah Avatar' of Vishnu. Here is one where Vishnu has four hands ,
Bhudevi resting on his left upper arm.
...... and here, subjugation of the 'Nagas'.
Salutation of the 'Nagas' -
inner roof of temple adjacent to that of SachchiyaMata.
Art of juxtaposition -
Gods, beauties, sages and composite animals placed side-by-side.
Siva-Shakti Iconography, the traditional rows of animals and imageries of flow of life
have lost sharpness, thus a part of their appeal.
Closer observation will charm the visitors. We find Vishnu, his Avataras, Surya, Indra, beautiful women, sages with strange expressions and mythical animals in combat placed in deep-set alcoves. Each relief has mark of very matured and superior artistry. Faces, hair-style, dresses and poses speak high about the art of Pratihara dynasty. Dr Asha Kalia , more than 30 years ago, wrote a book on Osian art - wish I had access to this book before my visit.
Combat between composites & human beings adorn the east-side wall of
Lakshmi-Narayan temple, on LH of SachchiyaMata temple.
Close-up of 'Slaying of Hiranyakashipu' on the east-side wall of
Lakshmi-Narayan temple, on LH of SachchiyaMata temple.
Two temples @ lower level of SachchiyaMata complex.
Well-known desert beyond green boundary of Osian village in far horizon.
My wife and I have captured in our camera whatever appealed to our eyes aesthetically. For extensive details, please refer to Dr Asha Kalia's pages in the Internet, in case her book is not available in your neighbouring Library.
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