Information of Eklingji Temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Eklingji is considered to be a Hindu temple situated in Udaipur district of Rajasthan. Eklingji is considered to be the ruling God of Mewar state and is a form of Lord Shiva. The temple has been placed at the distance of 22 km in the north direction of Udaipur. Shri Eklingji is basically the Lord of Maharanas, hence it belongs to them and is not a public temple. Since many years the puja of this temple is generally performed in a unique and royal way. It is said that the puja of this temple can only be performed by the Maharana of the Mewar land. Daily puja of the temple is conducted by the pujaries who have been appointed by the Maharanas themselves. Shivratri is the main festival in which numerous devotees come to attain darshan.

Eklingji Temple Religious Significance

According to the glorious story, it is believed that Eklingaji has been in survival since Sat yuga. In that particular era, Indra who was the king of Goddess Nandini prayed Eklingaji. On the other hand, in treat age Kamdhenu came to Eklingji because of the fact that she was afraid of Vishwamitra. She worshipped Eklingji and all the armies of Vishwamitra were defeated. In the Dwapar age, while Janamejaya sacrifice the snakes, it was noted that the Takshaka serpent was extremely scared and he came to the shoulder.

Eklingji Temple Mythology & History

Shri Parmeshwarji Maharaj who is considered as the chief God of the Eklingji temple is the personal family God of the Maharanas of Mewar. The temple was generally established by Bapa Rawal and it is said that the temple is as old as the city of Mewar. On this particular place, Bapa Rawal attained religious education from a saint named Harit Rashi. Harit Rashi meditated in a cave that had a Shiva Lingum and Bapa also achieved blessings from his Guru along with code of conduct that has been the main principle of Mewar dynasty. It has been identified that the temple was renovated numerous times by the Maharanas which also included Maharana Raimal in the period of 1473-1509. However, one can get to see that at present the structure is quite modern and does not bear any sign of 8th century. The Maharanas of the Mewar's consider themselves as the Diwanji of Eklingji; the main God is considered as the actual ruler of the state and the power possessed by the Maharana is because of his association with Eklingji. This association has been basically described by an inscription that has been found in the temple of Natha which at present is used as a storeroom of the temple.

Eklingji Temple Architectural Significance

The temple is quite huge as well as magnificent in terms of its conception. The Shikhar of the temple is 50 ft high and tend to possess a circumference of nearly 60 ft. There are four doors in all the four direction of the sanctum sanctorum while the door steps have been jutted by gems. Each gate has a Nandi statue that faces the idol. The body of the Nandi has been covered with a layer of brass. In this particular platform, you get to see the statue of the king of Mewar Bapa Rawal who stands facing the east. This statue was made by Maharana Bhagwat Singh and has been constructed in a manner that its gaze is fixed upon Maharshi Harit which has been engraved in the main entrance hall.