Eklingji Temple

Overview

The Eklingji Temple is located in Eklingji (Kailashpuri). It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva of the Hindu religion. The temple was built in 734 AD by Bappa Rawal. Since that time, Eklingji has been the ruling deity of Mewar rulers. In the later years, it was repaired and modified by various Kings, to clean the remnants of obliteration made by the attacks of Mohammedans.

About The Temple

The magnificent architecture of Eklingnath Temple is simply remarkable. The double-storied temple looks awesome with its pyramidal style of roof and distinctly carved tower. The outer walls of the temple are stretched with steps that descend touching the serene waters. Inside the complex, the main temple is a huge pillared hall or 'mandap' that is sheltered by hefty pyramidal roof. On entering this hall, one will be welcomed by a silver image of Nandi. In the temple, there are two other images of Nandi carved in black stone and brass respectively. one would find this temple full of mesmerizing fragrance. Inside the temple complex, devotees would find statues of Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Yamuna. The main temple also boasts of heavy silver doors, which depicts Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikay guarding their father. To the north of Eklingji temple, there are two tanks namely Karz Kund and Tulsi Kund. Water of these tanks is consumed during the services of the Lord. The festival of Shivratri is observed here with full gusto and fervor. At this time, the image of Lord Shiva is adorned with jewellery. Enrooted in the religious roots, the town comprises around 108 small and big temples. Near to Eklingji Temple, devotees can also trace various temples that are dedicated to Ambika Mata, Kalki and Lord Ganesha. One more temple by the name of Nathon Ka Mandir that dates back to 10th century catches the attraction. Lakulish temple is a fine temple that was built in 971. It is the exclusive temple of the Lakulish sect in India. Sas-Bahu temple is another temple that is all raised in marble of the 11th century. The Jain Temple of Adbhudji is made in black marble which dates back to the 15th century.

About The deity

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shiva lingam is five faced and of the deity it is made of black stone and an inscription of 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 wars face is that of Lord Brahma. Northward is that of Lord Vishnu, Eastward is of Lord Surya the Son god, southward is face of Rudra and the upraised top is Shiva lingam. Being situated in the middle, Shivlinga is encircled by Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikay.

Legend and Stories

Shri Eklingaji has been in existence since Sat yuga. In that age Indra , the King of Goddess Nandini worshiped Eklingaji. In the Treta age, the Kamdhenu came running to Shri Eklingji as she was afraid of Vishwamitra. She Prayed to Eklingji and the armies of Vishwamitra were defeated to the delight of Guru Vashistha. In the Dwapar age when Janamejaya performed the sacrifice of snakes, the Takshaka serpent was mortally afraid and he came to the shoulder

History

Bappa Rawal, the founder of Sisodia clan in mewar, is said to have received religious education from a sage Harita Rishi here. The original temple was built here by him, but it has since been rebuilt and refurbished by successive maharanas. Ever since Bappa Rawal’s reign, the temple of Eklingji is regarded as the personal deity temple of the royal family of Mewar. It is said that Bappa has become such a firm devotee of Eklingji that he placed his entire kingdom at the feet of the deity. He proclaimed Eklingji as its ruler and regarded himself as the dewan or agent of the deity, ruling the kingdom on behalf of the deity. Several times the temple was attacked by the invaders. Maharana Mokal started the renovation of the temple and later it was re- built by Rana Rai Mal. The Udaipur maharanas regard themselves as Dewanji (ministers) of Eklingji, a manifestation Of Lord Shiva. The deity is regarded as the real ruler of the state and any power that the maharanas possesses is by virtue of his king. Another temple in the complex is the Lakulish Temple, bult in 971 A.D. It is the only temple of the Lakulisha-Pashupatas. Sect in the whole India. A large lake is situated near this temple of Eklingji Mahadev. This Lake is known as Indrasagar Lake. There are many ancient temples of Lord Ganesh, Laxmidevi temple, and the Bhairavnath temple at the shore of this lake.

About the Eklingji Trust

The Shri Eklinji trust was created by Maharana Bhupal Singhji of Mewar, in April 1955. There are provisions made for the restoration and conservation of temples and traditional religious ceremonies. Presently the trust functions under the chairmanship of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur. A documentation of a project city within a city is in progress and lack of rupees may be spent on this.

Festivals

Shivaratri is the main festival on which thousands of devotees come here for Darshan. During the year every Monday this temlpe is croweded with devotees of Lord Shiva. The main festivals other than Shirvaratri are Pradosh, Makar Sankaranti etc. During the months of Vaishakh and Shravan special manooraths are preformed here. Navratras, both of Chaitra and Ashwin attract multitudes of people here. Throughout the year on every Saturday night and Sunday, the faithful devotees visit the temple for removal of their distress.

Custom and Traditions of Temple

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 meet 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 in to the safe maintained by Mewar Shiva Shakti Peetha. This Money is not spent for the temple of Shri Eklingaji but for other religious and charitable activities. The Poor and Needy are also helped with this amount. A separate account of this is maintained.

Vandana (If any particular) in text

The Pooja of the deity is performed as per Shiva Tradition.

Accessibility

Air

The nearest airport is in Dabok (40 kms).

Rail

The nearest railway station is in Udaipur (25 kms).

Road

One can easily reach Eklingji Temple from the city by taking regular buses or by hiring taxis.

Temple Address

Eklingji Temple,
N.H. 8, Kailashpuri, Rajasthan,
India, Pincode – 313202.