Sachiya Mata Temple, Osian

The Sachiya Mata Temple, also known as Sachchiya or Sachchiyay Mata Mandir, is situated in the Osian (also spelled as ‘Osiya’ or ‘Osiyan’) town in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. The city was named after the word ‘oasis,’ which depicts its geographical importance. It is a fertile area in the Thar Desert region- the largest desert in India. Maa Sachiya is worshipped as the Kuldevi of the Parmar clan, the natives of Northern and Central Indian. So this temple was built by the then King of Parmar’s, Maharaja Upendra, to dedicate himself to her service and seek the blessings for the welfare of each citizen in his kingdom.

According to Hindu Parampara, all the goddesses are worshipped as Jagat Bhawani and are called Maa. Historically, Maa Jagat Bhawani Shri Sachchiyay Mataji Mandir was famous as Shri Osiya Mataji Mandir. The temple has a history of around 1000 years earlier. An archaeological survey was carried out, which concluded with the obtainment of various statues and paintings. The depictions and carvings on the structures included the ancient deity of Harihar, Vasudeva with baby Krishna on his head, the killing of Putna, Kalidaman, Govardhan Dharan, and Krishnaleela, where he is seen stealing butter with his friends.

According to Hindu Ithihas, a Katha says that Maa Sachi was a daughter of Asura Raja Pauloma, who ruled a wondrous kingdom, backing many Brahmins, including Daitya Guru Shukracharya. Vritra, who was the Army Chief of Pauloma’s Kingdom, wanted to marry Maa Sachi. Sachi took this proposal as an insult because he was his father’s servant. Upon knowing this, Vritra left the service of Pauloma and started to worship Lord Shiva. Satisfied by his worship and dedication, Lord Shiva gave him a boon that he could not be killed by any known weapon. Vritra, with his magic, started gathering a vast army trained to capture the Aryan lands and show greater strength than Pauloma. Being Devraj, it was Indra Dev’s duty to protect the kingdom. He went to Rishi Dadhichi for a solution to fight against his immortality. Having bones stronger than any known weapons, Maharishi, by performing self-sacrifice, gave his bones to Indra, out of which he prepared the Vajra. Fulfilling the conditions that would end his boon of immortality, Indra Dev and Vritra fought individually rather than with their whole army to prevent huge carnage. Victor will take away the other’s army as well as he’ll marry Maa Sachi. Indra Dev emerged victoriously and married Sachi, and so she got the name Indrani.

This shrine is of great importance for Jain Dharma as well. Situated on a hilltop, it provides beautiful scenery to nature’s masterpiece. Navratri is celebrated with a devotion that brings the colors of enthusiasm and purity to the environment.