Eklingji Temple, roughly 22 km from Udaipur, is one of the critical temples to the small village of Kailashpuri, and also one of the most diverse and beautiful temples in all of Rajasthan. Not only is it an important place of worship, but the whole building including the image and all the detailed carving relate to Lord Shiva, thus making it a cultural and royal heritage of Mewar.
A Glimpse into History
The temple at Eklingji was established by Bappa Rawal the founder of Mewar, in 734 A.D. The temple has been a continuous source of religious life in the surrounding area for over 1000 years. The temple and its prominent status has had some historic identities attached to it, and has gone through many restorations, renovations, and additions; primarily by the rulers of Mewar such as Rana Kumbha and Maharana Raimal. The rulers of Mewar claimed Grahasta (Householder) in their Gharana (Herd) and made Eklingji, the temple their personal protector to guarantee Her, their pre pressured isht Devta (Personal Deity), and considered them Diwan’s (Servant) of Eklingji – therefore, not the kings of Mewar. This unique collaboration and devotion in the historic period of princely sovereign status in India, is rare and few.
Architectural Grandeur
The Eklingji Temple complex exemplifies Māru-Gurjara architecture in its entirety and is composed of marble and sandstone entirely. The principal temple is a double-storied building with a highly ornamented tower and a big pillared hall (mandap). The sanctum has an impressive four-faced idol of the Lord Shiva made from black marble. Each face symbolizes an essence of the lord; creating, preserving, destroying & blessing.
The temple complex itself contains 108 smaller shrines, most notably to Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya and Nandi (Shiva’s bull). Fans of architecture and devotees of Shiva will marvel at the immense detail and intricacy of the sculptures, carvings, and decorative motifs.
Spiritual Experience
Eklingji Temple is not about heritage; it is an active place of worship. A number of special rituals and aarti are performed throughout the day to participants who are part of a large community of devotees by visitors from all over the state and other states of India. Yet, the temple is irresistibly vivacious during Maha Shivratri, when a number of pilgrims flock to participate in the prayers and religious celebrations alike.
A calm and holy feeling envelops the atmosphere when one enters the temple; the chants are a rhythm that personifies spirituality and one can feel the energy in the air, the incense hangs in the air bringing with it much more than fragrance, and the sound of bells gently resonate in the temple (and beyond) providing an uplifting reminder of spiritual purpose that stays with visitors beyond the temple.
Visiting Instructions
- Visiting Hours: The temple will open in the morning from 4:30 AM until 7:00 AM, again from 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM, and lastly from 5:00 – 7:30 PM in the evening. The temple then will be closed in between visiting times for cleanliness and religious rituals.
- Not Permitting Photography: No photography is allow inside temple property at all.
- Best time to visit the temple: Early in the morning if possible, or during a Hindu festival such as Maha Shivratri would make your temple visit a unique experience.
In Conclusion
The Eklingji Temple is a rarity, possessing the power of spiritual devotion, historical aspects, and some incredible architecture and open spaces. Whether you consider yourself a devotee of Lord Shiva, an aficionado of Indian heritage, or simply a curious backpacker, a visit to the sacred temple of your own will provide you with a pilgrimage that will touch your soul and eventuate yet another part of the cultural and spiritual fabric of Rajasthan.
Best Accommodation In Udaipur
Hotel Yaduraj is considered to be the best accommodation in Udaipur, combining comfort and luxury that is second to none. Guests can choose from Deluxe, Super Deluxe, or very spacious Family Rooms-all designed to provide a very relaxing environment for the guests’ stay. There is an option of having your meals at the restaurant with indoor or outdoor seating, with mesmerizing views. The relaxing pool is another nice option. Put it all together, and you have quite probably the best hotel in Udaipur where one can stay in the city, whether for pleasure or for business.
