Eklingiji Temple Udaipur

Eklingji is a Hindu temple complex in the Udaipur District of Rajasthan in western India. Eklingji is believed to be the ruling deity of Mewar Princely State and the Maharana rules as his Dewan. There are as many as 72 holy spots such as Samadhis, muth, and temples. The temple is one of the most popular temples of Rajasthan. You know Lord Shiva has 108 names. Out of those 108 names, Eklingji is also the name of Lord Shiva. This is the name by which Lord Shiva is worshipped in Udaipur.

History of Eklingji Temple Udaipur

Eklingji Temple was built in the 8th century. This ancient temple, 1300 years old has a wide sprawling campus. The history of Eklingji Temple is recorded in the Ekalinga Mahatmya, a historical text written in the 15th century. According to the text, the original temple was constructed in 734 A.D. by ruler Bappa Rawal. The temple has actually been a victim of loot as well as plunders throughout the rule of the Delhi Sultanate. The initial temple and its idols were physically damaged.

In the late years, the temple was renovated and also modified by many kings to maintain the glory and belief of people in Shri Eklingji. The temple initially belonged to the Pashupata sect, then the Nath sect as well In post 16th century it was taken care of and also regulated by Ramanandis.

Renovation Process

In the 14th century, post-invasion, the very first idol was placed by Hamir Singh in the main temple. In the 15th century, Rana Kumbha restored the temple by adding the Vishnu temple. In the 1460 engraving, Rana Kumbha is described as the accomplice of Lord Eklingji.

Later in the 15th century, the temple was once again attacked by the Malwa Sultanate’s Ghiyath Shah. He was defeated by Rana Raimal, the son of Rana Kumbha. Rana Raimal captured Shah as well as procured ransom money for his release. He used the money to reinstate the glory of the temple. This was the final rebuilding of the temple, as well as an idol of Eklingji, was installed in the main temple complex.

Deity

The Shiva lingam is five-faced and of the deity, it is made of black stone and an inscription on the south wall of the temple shows that the idol was established and its pratistha bestowal of life was performed by the then Maharana Raimal Ji (1473-1509). The West War’s face is that of Lord Brahma. Northward is that of Lord Vishnu, Eastward is of Lord Surya the Son god, southward in the face of Rudra and the upraised top is Shiva lingam, which is an embodiment of Sadashiva with Amba his consort.

The Architecture of the Temple

The Temple is very grand and magnificent in conception and perfect in execution. The 50 ft. high Shikhar of the temple has a circumference of 60 ft. The sanctum sanctorum has four doors in all four directions and the doorsteps are jutted with gems. On each gate, there is a Nandi (bull) statue facing the idol. This fourteenth-century shrine has been rebuilt, renovated, and expanded from time to time. The campus  In the Western and southern gates, the door frames are silver-covered.

On one side above the door is Shri Ganesh. The dispeller of all disturbances on the other side is Shri Kartikeya Ji. They hold a chowry in their hands. Right towards the east, there is a drainage that joins the Indrasrarova, at the extreme end of which is a Gomukha (burgoyle). The Eastern gate has stone lattices to laid the fresh air and light in the west gate of the sanctum sanctorum.

Sabha Mandap since the Maharanas of Mewar are Suryavanshi (of the sun clan), hence above the western gate of the sanctum sanctorum is a sliver-made image of Lord Surya. This Image is extremely beautiful and it jutted with stones. Out of the Sabha Mandap towards the west, there is a big statue of a black stone Nandi behind which on a high platform is seated another Nandi made of Asthadhatu (eight Metals). The body of the Nandi is covered with a brass layer.

On this very platform, the statue of the king of Mewar Bapa Rawal stands facing the east. This man-sized statue of Bapa Rawal with joint hands seems to be looking efforts in a void as though, he were praying. This statute was established by Maharana Bhagwat Singh, The statute is so constructed that its gaze is fixed on Maharshi Harit who is engraved in the main entrance hall of the Sabha Mandap. Maharshi Harit is Seated on an aerial car. It so appears as though  Bapa Rawal were receiving the blessings of the Safe Harit by paying him obeisance.

Festivals & Fairs in Temple (Main Events)

Navratras, both Chaitra and Ashwin attract multitudes of people here. Shivratri is also one of the main festivals of Lord Shiva temple. Throughout the year every Saturday night and Sunday, the faithful devotees visit the temple for the removal of their distress.

Pooja in Eklingiji Temple

It has been said above that Shri Ekling Ji is the god of the Maharanas. This temple belongs to the Maharanas and it is not a public temple. Over the centuries, the pooja of this temple is performed in a royal way and no change is possible. According to this, only the Maharana of Mewar land can perform the Pooja of Shri Ekling Ji. Daily Pooja, however, is performed by the Pujaries appointed by the Maharanas.  Even these Pujaries first make a voluntary declaration that they are performing the Pooja in the name of Maharana and at the end of the Pooja, the Pujari receives the deities Aashirwad for the Maharana.

The Maharana meets all the expenses of the temple. No gifts or monetary help can be accepted there, However, if any devotee out of his emotional sentiments wants to give a donation, it is dropped into the safe maintained by Mewar Shiva Shakti Peetha. This money is not spent on the temple of Shri Eklingaji but on other religious and charitable activities. The Poor and Needy are also helped with this amount. A separate account of this is maintained.

Other Places to visit in Udaipur

• Saheliyon ki Bari.
• City Palace.
• Jagmandir.
• Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal.
• Maharana Pratap Smarak.
• Ahar Museum.

Places to visit near Eklingji Temple Udaipur

How to reach

Eklingiji Temple Udaipur Darshan Timing

Eklingiji Temple Udaipur Darshan Timing

Morning Time	Evening Time
4:30 AM To 7:00 AM	5:00 PM To 7:30 PM
10:30 AM To 1:30 PM	—-

Eklingiji Temple Udaipur Aarti Timings

Morning Time	Afternoon Time	Evening Time
5:30 AM	3:30 PM	5:00 PM
8:15 AM	4:30 PM	6:30 PM
9:15 AM	—	—
11:30 AM	—	—

For information about the Darshan Timing of Shrinathji Temple Nathdwara

Shrinathji Temple (Nathdwara) Daily Darshan Time

Eklingiji Temple Udaipur Photos and Video