History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Interesting & Unknown Facts and Travel Guide of Eklingji Temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Eklingji Temple- the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at just 22km north from Udaipur is located in town Eklingji - Kailashpuri. Grand and splendid Eklingji Temple is one of the prime temple and pilgrimage centre of Rajasthan, where millions of devotee of Lord Shiva and tourist visits here throughout the year. The main attraction of the temple is its four faced Shivling. These four faces of Eklingji represents four forms of Lord Shiva, Which are described as below: The Face of the east direction represents The Sun, The face towards the west direction is identified as Lord Brahma, same way the face towards the north is Lord Vishnu, whereas the face towards the south direction is face of Rudra (The Lord Shiva himself). Shivlinga is placed in center, surrounded by other idols of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikay. There are two tanks namely Karz Kund and Tulsi Kund in north of Eklingji temple. Water of these tanks is used for various rituals and Abhishek of Lord Shiva.
History says Eklingji Temple has been originally built in 8th Century by Bappa Rawal then ruler of Mewar as Eklingji is the main deity of Mewar Clan. However the temple has been destroyed by Mughal emperor two times, first in 8th century and second in 15th century. But it believes that Hamir Singh took the responsibility and renovate the temple again in 14th Century. History also said that in 15th Century Eklingji has been built up by Rana Kumbha and then Rana Raimal, again after second time when it was destroyed by Mughals. During the same time Rana Raimal also built the temple’s complex and Idol has been set up there only, which is currently there in the main temple. Originally temple was under supervision of pashupata sect. but from 16th century the temple has been run under the supervision of Ramandis. The king of Mewar had never set up them self as king but just the custodian and rule the territory on behalf of their family deity – Eklingji.
Eklingji is famous for its brilliant architecture. At the Entrance you can find silver idol of Nandi. Also inside the temple you can find 2 more beautiful idols of Nandi, One of them is carved in the black stone where another one is carved in brass. There is delightful fragrance inside all over the temple. The height of the Shikhar is around 50 feet and circumference of 60 feet. The silver snack has garlanded on the Shivling. This Shivling is also one of the major attraction of the temple. Apart from this, Ekligji has 108 small temples of various god and goddess of Hindu.
Lots of tourists are visiting Eklingji throughout the year but this temple has seen major crowd during the festival called Shivratri and Eklingji Patosav.
As per the legend, interesting story is associated with Bappa rawal and shaivite Harit Rashi, Also it is believed that this sacred place is highly important for ancient Lord Shiva sect – Pashupata. It is also said that they are the follower of secretive practice of worship.
Best Time to Visit Eklingji Temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan is during winter and monsoon as summer is beat hot in Udaipur and overall Rajasthan. Apart from this during the festivals, Shravan Month, Maha Shivratri are the best days to visit and feel the spiritual aura in temple premise.
Along with the main shrine, there are several other sacred temples like Pataleshwar Mahadeo,Vindhyavasini Devi,Rathasan Devi and Arbada Mata etc. which you can roam during your Udaipur, Rajasthan trip.
How to reach Eklingji Temple Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
As the Eklingji temple is situated just at a distance of 22 km from Udaipur and on main road and also very historical ancient temple so It is easily accessible via airways, railways, and roadways. Public transit is and private cab are readily available from the main city center. Dabok airport, Udaipur is located 21 Km far from the main city centre from where major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad etc are connected to Udaipur. Udaipur is connected to all major cities via rail network, railway station is located at just 3 km away from the City centre. From where you can get the direct train from Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Ahmedabad etc. By road network, Udaipur is connected to National Highway 8, the major Delhi- Mumbai link road. Also public transport and private bus cab are available from Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh to reach Udaipur.
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