Introduction

Located approximately 22 kms north of the most beautiful “City of Lakes,” Udaipur in Rajasthan, the Shri Eklingji Temple is much more than a place of prayer. It constitutes a significant emblem of the spiritual and political history of the Mewar dynasty, the Sisodiya Rajputs, who for centuries considered themselves Diwans-regents or prime ministers of Eklingji, their true heavenly sovereigns, rather than state rulers. The temple complex of Kailashpuri, dedicated to Lord Shiva, represents a fabulous blend of historic significance, architectural brilliance, and deeply rooted religious tradition set amidst the stunning Aravalli hills. It constitutes an important pilgrimage site, a spiritual and cultural experience coupled with the region’s rich past.

History of Eklingji Temple

The rich and glorious history of the Eklingji Temple is inextricably linked with the establishment of the Mewar dynasty. The original structure of the temple is believed to have been built in the 8^th century CE-more precisely, around 734 AD-by Bappa Rawal, who was the founder of the Guhila dynasty and eventually the Mewar kings. According to the account inscribed in the 15^th century Sanskrit classic, Eklinga Mahatmya, Bappa Rawal was a devout follower of the sage Harit Rashi, an advocate for the old Pashupata branch of Shaivism. It was with the blessings of this sage and Lord Shiva, Eklingji, that Bappa Rawal won and therefore created the Mewar Kingdom.

This original consecration thus laid the foundation for a durable political as well as religious heritage. The successors of Bappa Rawal assumed the title of Maharana, which is a title for King of Kings, but they always recognized Shri Eklingji as the true King of Mewar. This unique custom demanded that every royal proclamation or agreement should be issued in the name of the deity, and made the temple the spiritual and titular capital of the state.

Over the centuries, the temple was repeatedly razed and plundered by invading armies, most notably the Delhi Sultanate. It underwent many renovations and rebuilds. Maharana Mokal from the 15^th century added much to this rebuilding effort and was succeeded by Maharana Raimal, who substituted the original linga with the unique four-faced idol.

Architecture of Eklingji Temple

This Eklingji Temple complex is an architectural marvel made mostly of marble and native yellow sandstone. It is large in area, having more than 108 little shrines in its high fortified walls. It forms a microcosm of devotion to various Hindu deities. The central temple building is two stories high and represents both the typical Kachhapaghata and Nagara architectural styles, having a resplendent sculpted tiered, pyramidal roof called shikara. An entrance gate with an immense, carved arched door leads to a columnar hall or mandap.

Key Architectural Features:

Main Shrine and Idol – The sanctum sanctorum or Garbhagriha is the heart of the complex, wherein lies the primary object of veneration, a huge, four-faced Lord Shiva idol carved out of black marble. The stunning idol is about 50 feet in height and represents four manifestations of Shiva:

East Face: Surya
West Face: Brahma
North Face: Vishnu
South Face: Rudra

A heightened Shivlinga rises from the centre of these four faces, representing Shiva’s transcendental form.

Nandi Madap: Facing the shrine, in the main hall, is a huge silver statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s sacred bull that symbolizes devotion and loyalty.

Intricate Carvings and Ornamentation: The complex has walls, ceilings, and pillars with exquisitely carved scenes from Hindu mythology, celestial figures, and an expanse of intricate floral and geometric patterns, portraying the ancient craftsmen’s exceptional artistry.

The temple complex: Other important shrines are devoted to Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Saraswati, along with two old water reservoirs, Karz Kund and Tulsi Kund, used for rituals. The site also includes a subsidiary or secondary temple called Nathon ka Mandir, 10^th century and the famous remains of the Saas-Bahu Temple nearby.

Things to do at Eklingji Temple –

Attend the Maha Aarti rites held in the morning and evening are to be witnessed. The ambience is filled with religious chants, the scent of incense, and the ringing of bells, which is wonderfully amazing and spiritually uplifting.

Seek blessings from Lord Eklingji to immerse in the spiritual essence of the centuries-old shrine.

Admire the architecture comprising intricate carvings and unique construction of the double-story main temple and surrounding lesser shrines, along with the artistry in marble and sandstone.

Exploring the complex of 108 subsidiary temples and sacred water reservoirs gives you an even better idea of how large the site is.

Experience the festival fervour like Maha Shivaratri or Mondays, dedicated to Lord Shiva, when the temple is alive with special rituals and huge celebrations.

Places to visit near Eklingji Temple –

Eklingji’s strategic location makes it an ideal base for witnessing the main historical and religious sites north of Udaipur:

Saas-Bahu Temple, Nagda, also known as Sahastra Bahu or “one with a thousand arms,” an incarnation of Vishnu, is remarkable for their intricately and exquisitely done marble sculptures, considering that they are half destroyed.

Nathdwara is located around 28 km north, houses the famous Shrinathji Temple, a primary temple of the Vaishnavite Pushtimarg sect, dedicated to a form of Lord Krishna.

Haldighati is an ancient battleground 20 kms away, where Maharana Pratap fought the Mughals. It houses a museum on the great monarch and his horse, Chetak.

Rajsamand Lake is a huge artificial lake built by Maharana Raj Singh, having marble embankments called Nau Chauki.

Timing: 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Conclusion –

The Shri Eklingji Temple bears eloquent testimony to the spiritual zeal of Mewar and its unique political entity to earthly rulers who assumed the role of agents of the divine ruler. Its imposing structure, holiness of Lord Shiva’s four-faced marble idol, and tranquil, ancient surroundings combine to make it a key pilgrimage and historical destination. A trip here is more than a walk through an ancient temple; it is a plunge into the heart and root of the Mewar Empire, with travellers leaving with a deep sense of tranquillity, wonder, and respect for the traditions that saw a god as its supreme sovereign.