Eklingji Temple

Rajasthan, Udaipur, Jaipur

Located in the town of Eklingji (Kailashpuri), Eklingji Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most famous temples of Rajasthan. The temple was built in 734 A.D. by Bappa Rawal. Since that time, Eklingji has been the ruling deity of Mewar royal dynasty. The Udaipur Maharanas consider Lord Eklinji as the ruler of the state and themselves as the representatives of the deity. In the later years, the Temple was repaired and refurbished by various kings, notably Maharana Mokal and Rana Rai Mal after the attacks by Mughals during various periods.

Legend

Shri Eklingji is believed to have been in existence since Satyuga (Golden Age). The king of gods, Indra, Kamdhenu, and the serpent, Takshaka are all believed to have performed prayers to Shri Eklingaji. Legend also states that Bappa Rawal, during the time he was besieged by problems, saw this Shivling in his dreams. Once his problems got sorted out, he built a temple to celebrated the divinity of the idol he saw in his dreams.

Architecture

The temple architecturally magnificent and has beautifully sculpted pyramidal style of roofs. Intricate carvings adorn the walls as well as the towers. Inside the complex, the main temple is a huge pillared hall or 'mandap'. Inside the hall there is silver image of Nandi. The sanctum sanctorum has a four-faced idol of Eklingji that is made out of black marble. The east-facing part is considered as Surya, the west-facing part is Lord Brahma, the north-facing part is Lord Vishnu and the south-facing part is Rudra. The temple has heavily ornate silver doors depicting the images of Lord Ganesha and Lord Kathikeya. To the north of Eklingji temple, there are two tanks namely Karz Kund and Tulsi Kund. There are many temples housed inside the main temple complex for Yamuna, Saraswathi, Meera Mandir etc. Many idols are made of Ashtadhatu (Eight sacred metals) and silver.

Picture Courtesy : commons.wikimedia.org

Darsan Info

Eklingji Temple timings:
4:30 AM - 7:00 AM
10:30 AM-1:30 PM
5:00 PM-7:30 PM
Shivaratri is the main festival on which thousands of devotees come here for darshan.
Mondays are usually very crowded.
No pujas can be performed by the public.

No gifts or monetary help is accepted in the temple. However, if any devotee wants to give a donation, they can do so to the Shri Shiv Shakti Peeth Trust Fund which is used only for charitable activities.

Darsan Dresscode

There is no special dress code, though modest and clean clothing is suggested while visiting Eklingji Temple. Leather accessories and personal belongings must be deposited at lockers at the entrance.

Travel Support

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Pooja Samagri

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Famous Festival

January - Makar Sankranthi

February/March :- Mahashivaratri
April :- Navratras Chaitra
October :- Navratras Ashwin

Culture

Udaipur, the erstwhile capital of Mewar dynasty is one of the major cities of Rajasthan. Popular for its history, culture, scenic locations and the Rajput-era palaces, Udaipur is a favored destination of tourists from all around the world.

Temple Rituals

Eklinji temple is not a public temple as it belongs to the Maharanas. According to the tradition , only the Maharana of Mewar can perform the Pooja of Shri Ekling ji. Daily Pooja, however, is performed by the priests appointed by the Maharanas. The priests first make a voluntary declaration that they are performing the puja in the name of Maharana and at the end of the puja, receives the blessings of the Lord for the Maharana. On special occasion Maharana himself worships the Lord.

Special Rituals

Throughout the year, on every Saturday night and Sunday, the faithful devotees visit the Eklingji Temple for removal of their distress.

Worshipping Eklingji is believed to have won battles for the worshipper and hence, Eklingji Maharaj is known as the gods of Maharanas. The Maharanas acted as the Prime Ministers or trustees for the god, rather than the kings.