Ek means 'one’ while ling means 'lingam or the life-giving a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva'. The Eklingji Temple, one of the popular pilgrimages of Rajasthan is located at a distance of 22 km away from Udaipur. It was initially built by the then King of Udaipur Bappa Rawal, on the side of 72 rooms Jain temple which housed a four-faced statue of Adinath, the first Jain Saint. It stands with the great historic significance dedicated to Lord Eklingji, the benefactor deity of the Mewar clan.
This temple is situated at the bank of the Indersagar Lake has near about 108 shrines and comes within its walls. The main shrine is a double storied building and designed with carved tower and pyramidal styled roof. Inside the complex, the main structured has a pyramid style structure and further supported by hefty pyramidal roof. On entering the temple a silver image of Nandi will welcome you to the deity of Lord Shiva. There are two other images of Nandi that are located in the temple in black stone and brass respectively. In the middle of the temple, a striking four-faced idol of Eklingji, made of black marble is located whose height is near about 50 feet and its four faces depict four forms of Lord Shiva. The east facing part recognised as Surya, west-facing part is Lord Brahma, the north facing part is Lord Vishnu and the south facing part is Rudra. And it is further garlanded by the silver snake, acquires major attraction of the people.
History of the Attraction
The temple was built in 734 A.D. by Bappa Rawal. Eklingji has been the ruling deity of Mewar rulers. In the later years, it was further re structured and tailored by various Kings, for cleaning the remnants of annihilation made by the attacks of muslims.
Getting There
Eklingji Temple is located about 22 km away from the Udaipur city and adjacent to National Highway 8. This city is well connected by road and railways. Tourist can also book private cabs or taxi or even can take help of private or public buses to reach here and feel the spirit.
Things to Do in and around
Apart from main shrine and temple, there are several temples,namely Pataleshwar Mahadeo,Vindhyavasini Devi,Rathasan Devi and Arbada Mata. After you have witnessed the beauty of the entire temple, feel free to roam the nearby regions of Kailashpuri dynasty. The wonderful architecture of these temples makes the onlooker to ponder over the artistry of those times.
Opening/Closing Timings and days
4.30 am to 7.00 am and 10.30 am to 1.30 pm in the morning
5.00 pm to 7.30 pm in the evening
Entry Fees
There is no entry fee asked to enter the temple.
Best Time to Visit
The splendid city best experienced between three main seasons namely mid March-June, July-September, and October-March. Udaipur is not at all preferable place for visit in summer as only the scorching heat and the effect of tropical climate will accompany you. Instead of that, in winter the temperature touches minimum of 11.6 degree Celsius and maximum 28.3 degree Celsius, make the climate clear and shooting for best travelling experience.