Rise and Glory History of Halari Visa Oshwals

Author(s): Rati Dodhia
Publisher: Rati Dodhia

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Part I. Origin
relates that the Oshwals had to leave the city because of the attempt made to remove the knots on the image of Lord Mahavir.
Although modern Osiya is barren it still is capable of telling the stories of past many centuries. In the ruins of Osiya stories about many religions like Hindu, Jaina, Shaivat, Shak and others, are echoed.
Restoration of Osiya Pilgrimage
In Vikram Samvat 1936 due to hard work of Muni Mohanlalji Osiya became auspicious center for Jaina pilgrimage. Inspired by Muni Maharaj, the chief minister of Jodhpur, Kundanlalji, ordered the restoration of Mahavir's temple. From V.S. 1936 to 1950 he took care of the administration. The image of Lord Mahavir remains in perfect condition as it had been buried in grounds covered by a stone. Every year since V.S. 1951 a carnival takes place here. In V.S. 1972 due to inspiration of Ratnasinghji Maharaj, Shri Jaina Vidiyalay (educational institute) and hostel were built. At present 500 students study here.
In V.S. 2026 renovation of temple was under taken and this is continuing. The firm of Seth Anandji Kalayanji of Ahmedabad, who donated hundreds of thousands of rupees, sponsored this. At present the pilgrimage is taken care by Seth Shri Mangaldasji Ratansinghji dev Trust.
An Updhan tapp (fasting with meditation and rituals) was under taken In V.S. 2032 to get rid of the curse of Sachiya Mata. But even now there is not a single Oshwal house there, and it is said that no Oshwal has courage to spend a night in that place. However, this false belief is disappearing slowly and Oshwal pilgrims have started staying overnight.