Eklingji Mandir, Udaipur, Rajasthan, IN

Deities: Lord Shiva
Location: On National Highway No.8, In Kailashpuri, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Built by: Bappa Rawal
Highlights: 50 feet high image of Lord Shiva

Importance:
One of the legends relating to Ekilngil is that after killing Vrakshasur, Indra had meditated and prayed to eklingji in repentance and to be free of the curse. According to another legend, Bapparawal had seen the Shivlinga in his dream when he was in trouble and when the problem was solved; he constructed the temple and later build Mewar.

Eklingji is located about twelve miles to the North of Udaipur in Rajasthan. This deity was regarded as the virtual ruler, by the Maharajas of Mewar - who considered them to be regents (Dewans) under Eklingji. Ekligji (Kailashpuri) is a town situated in a beautiful valley and it attracts multitudes of visitors throughout the year.

The existing structure is one built out of the ruins of a previously destroyed structure and it dates back to the 15th century CE. The architecture resembles that of the Jain temples of Gujarat Shiva is worshipped here as a four faced black marble image, the four faces representing Brahma facing west, Vishnu facing North, Maheshwar facing South and Surya (Sun) facing the east. The flat top of the composite idol is covered with a Yantra, a mystic symbolic drawing, standing for the ultimate reality. Shiva here is worshipped as the Ultimate Reality, the supreme power, and the wholesome one - Parabrahma.

The temple occupies an area of about 2500 sq. feet and is about 65 feet in height. The temple area is fortified and a strong wall runs around it. The main entrance to the temple on the Western side welcomes visitors into a big hall resting on profusely carved pillars. In this hall, is a silver image of Nandi. There are two more Nandis in the temple, one made of black stone and the other of brass.

Other deities housed in the temple complex include Parvati, Ganesh, Ganga, Kartikeya, Yamuna and Saraswati. There are also small temples dedicated to Ambamata, Kalka Mata and Ganesh in the temple complex. There is another temple called Nathon Ka Mandir. There are two tanks situated on the Northern side of the temple - Karz Kund and Tulsi Kund. Water from these tanks is utilized for temple services. Temple services are performed in a very elaborate manner in the Vedic and Tantric styles.

The town of Eklingji is full of temples. There are about 70 temples in all. Mention must be made of the Sas-Bahu marble temple, dating back to the 11th century. It is a fine specimen of ancient art with sculptural details. The Adbhudji Jain temple is of black marble and it dates back to the 15th century CE. Other temples in Kailashpuri include those of Pataleshwar Mahadeo, Arbada Mata, Rathasan Devi, and Vindhyavasini Devi.

Festival:
Shivratri is an important religious event, when the image of the deity is decked with jewellery.

How to reach:
One can easily reach Eklingji Temple by taking regular buses or by hiring taxis from anywhere in Rajasthan.

Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

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