Eklingji Temple is one among the most famous temples of Rajasthan. The Temple is located in the town of Eklingji (Kailashpuri), so this place got its popular name from the temple. Eklingji Temple is positioned in Rajasthan at a distance of 22 km in the north of Udaipur, on the national highway no. 8. Eklingnath Temple is dedicated to deity Lord Shiva of the Hindu religion. Initially, the temple was built by Bappa Rawal in 734 A.D.
Since those times, Eklingji has been the ruling deity of Mewar rulers. Then during later years it was repaired and modified by various Kings, to clean the remnants of obliteration made by the attacks of Mohammedans. This auspicious place has 108 temples and the 1200 years old temple of Sri Eklingji Prabhu / Lord Shiva is the biggest, oldest and most famous temple. The Aravalli hills and the forests form the perfect abode for the Lord.
Eklingnath Temple's magnificent architecture is simply remarkable. The temple has double-storied building which looks awesome with its pyramidal style of roof and distinctly carved tower. The outer walls of this temple are stretched with steps that descend through touching the serene waters.
Significance of the temple
Inside the complex of the main temple is a huge pillared hall called the 'mandap' that is sheltered by hefty pyramidal roof. Inside this hall devotees are welcomed by a silver image of Nandi. Inside the temple, there are two other images of Nandi carved in black stone and brass respectively. The temple is filled with mesmerizing fragrance.
One of the sacred legends relating to Eklingji goes like after killing Vrakshasur, Indra had meditated and prayed to Eklingji - Lord Shiva in penitence and to get rid of that curse. According to another legend, Bappa Rawal, the founder of Mewar regime, had seen the Shiva lingam in his dream when he was in trouble. When the problems were solved, he approached a sage called Harita Rishi, who had advised him to build the temple as gratitude.
The temple has embedded in it the most striking four-faced idol of Eklingji - Lord Shiva which is made out of black marble. The height of the idol ranges around 50 feet and its four faces which depicts four forms of Lord Shiva. The east-facing part of the idol is recognized as Surya, the west part of the idol is Lord Brahma, the north-facing part is Lord Vishnu and the south-facing part is Rudra i.e. Lord Shiva himself. The pinnacle of the multifaceted idol is known as 'Yantra' that stands for its ultimate reality. The Shivlinga garlanded by a silver snake is the major attraction of people.
The beauty of Eklingi temple is enhanced by sandstone and marble. The complex of the temple has an extensively ornate pillared hall - mandapam - under a huge pyramidal roof. The temple is extended to an area of 2500 sq. feet, the temple is 65 feet in height. The brackets in the temple show nymphs in erotic dance postures.
The Shivalinga is in the middle of the temple, encircled by Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikaya. There are even statues of Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Yamuna inside the premises of the temple.
The main temple consists of heavy silver doors, which depicts Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya guarding their father Lord Shiva. To the north of this temple, there are two tanks namely Karz Kund and Tulsi Kund. Water of these tanks is consumed during the alankara of the Lord Shiva.
Besides the image of Lord Shiva in the Eklingi, the temple complex includes idols of Parvati, Ganesha, Ganga, Kartikeya, Yamuna and Saraswati. Even there are temples which are dedicated to Amba Mata, Kalka Mata and Ganesha inside the premises of temple complex. One more temple called Nathon Ka Mandir in the temple complex has inscriptions dating back to the 10th century A.D.
Video - In and Around Eklingji Temple
