Eklingji Temple, Udaipur - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit
#3 of 23 Places to Visit in Udaipur
Distance (From Udaipur City Railway Station): 24 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 2 Hours
Place Location: At Eklingji Or Kailashpuri Town
Transportation Options: Bus / Cab
Travel Tips: None
At a distance of 24 km from Udaipur, Eklingji Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated at Eklingji or Kailashpuri town in Udaipur district of Rajasthan. It is one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in Rajasthan, and among the top places to visit near Udaipur.
Eklingji Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the tutelary deity of the former Mewar rulers. Ek means 'one' while ling means 'lingum or the life giving phallic symbol of Lord Shiva'. The patron deity of the Mewar clan is considered the actual ruler of the region while the kings are merely the Dewan (or the Prime Minister) of this God of Mewar. Initially, the temple was built in 734 AD by Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Mewar dynasty. In the later years, it was repaired and modified by various Kings, to clean the remnants of obliteration made by the attacks of Mohammedans.
The temple complex is located on the banks of Indersagar Lake. The beautifully sculpted temple complex includes 108 temples within its high walls, made out of marble and sandstone. The main Shrine is a double storied building, looks magnificent with its pyramidal style of roof and beautifully carved tower. The temple sanctum sanctorum houses a four faced black stone statue of Lord Shiva with Brahma facing west, Vishnu facing north, Shiva facing south and Surya facing east.
Outside the temple are the statues of Nandi, Shiva's bull and Bappa Rawal. Bappa Rawal is shown facing Nandi with his hands clasped. There is another statue of Nandi in silver in the hall of the temple. Goddess Parvati, Ganesha, Ganga, Kartikeya, Yamuna and Saraswati are the other shrines located in the temple complex. Smaller temples dedicated to Amba Mata and Kalka Mata can also be found in the temple complex. One can also visit nearby Sas-Bahu Temple and Adbhuthji temple along with Eklingji Temple as part of Udaipur tour.
The temple is the center of attraction during the festival of Shivratri. Devotees in large number throng the temple to offer their prayers to the Lord of universe during Mondays and on festival days.
Timings: 4.15 AM - 6.45 AM, 10.30 AM - 1.30 PM & 5.15 PM - 7.45 PM
