Eklingji Temple Udaipur

Introduction to the Eklingji Temple

The Eklingji Temple is a sacred place in the historical city of Udaipur, Rajasthan. Its architectural brilliance draws pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike. Eklingji Temple is one of Shiva's ancient and most sacred temples in Kailashpuri, Rajasthan. The town is also called Eklingji due to this temple.

Legend of the Eklingji Temple

According to legend, Indra worshipped Eklingji during Satya Yug. Kamadhenu was an ardent follower of Eklingji in Treta Yug. She worshipped the deity and defeated Sage Vishwamitra. Eklingji, an incarnation of Shiva, was worshipped with utmost devotion in Mewar history.

History of the Eklingji Temple

Bappa Rawal built the Eklingji Temple in 734 AD. Muslim rulers invaded, plundered, and defaced the temple. Various Hindu rulers subsequently repaired and modified the temple without any traces of the invaders. In 971 AD, the construction of the present structure was started. In the 16th century, the Eklingji Temple came under the control of the Ramanandis.

The Architecture of the Eklingji Temple

The Eklingji Temple dates back to the 15th century and holds great historical importance. Maha Rana Kumbha rebuilt it and built a Vishnu temple additionally.

The Eklingji Temple is built of white marble. It sprawls on a wide campus that houses 72 holy spots, including temples, samadhis, and maths. The temple's Shikhar is 50 feet high and 60 feet in circumference. The temple's exterior walls are stretched, with steps directly descending into the water.

The temple has two stories, a pyramidal roof, and a carved tower. Inside the temple complex is a large, pillared hall. A massive silver image of Nandi greets visitors. Two other images of Nandi carved in brass and black stone are also in the temple.

The four-faced idol of Shiva, or Eklingji, graces the main shrine. Devotees can see and worship his statue in a towering pillared hall. The idol is 50 feet high and made of black stone. His four faces represent the four different forms of Shiva. The eastern side depicts Surya, the western side Brahma, the northern side Vishnu, and the southern side Rudra. This multifaceted idol is called 'Yantra,' the ultimate reality.

The images of Parvati, Ganesha, and Karthikeya surround the Eklingji statue. The main shrine has four doors facing all directions, with precious stones embedded in them. The beautiful silver doors to the main shrine have images of Ganesha and Karthikeya. Devotees can see and worship 108 small shrines within the complex, surrounded by long, hard rock walls. One of the major attractions is a silver snake adorning the Shiva Lingam.

The Eklingji Temple complex has two sacred ponds, the Karz Kund and Tulsi Kund, where devotees take ritualistic baths and perform religious ceremonies.

Festivals in the Eklingji Temple

Eklingji Patotsav is a significant festival celebrated in the Eklingji Temple. It involves covering Eklingji with special attire, and the royal band of City Palace honors the deity.

The Eklingji Temple grandly celebrates Shivratri. Navratri, Pradosha, and Makar Sankranti are the other festivals hosted here. These festivals attract a large number of devotees.