Eklingji Temple is located in Kailashpuri, a small town around 22 kilometers north of Udaipur, in the state of Rajasthan. Surrounded by hills and ancient architecture, the temple sits peacefully near the banks of a small lake called Indra Sarovar. The entire area has a spiritual and royal aura, attracting devotees.
The Eklingji Temple is a stunning example of Mewar-style temple architecture, built mainly with white marble and sandstone. The temple complex houses around 108 smaller temples, each with beautiful carvings, sculptures, and pillars. The main shrine has a pyramidal roof (shikhara) and a massive silver door leading into the inner sanctum.
The main idol of the Eklingji Temple is a striking four-faced Shivlinga made of black marble. This unique lingam is about 50 feet high, and each of its four faces represents a different form of the divine:
– *East-facing: Depicts **Surya* (Sun God)
– *West-facing: Represents **Lord Brahma*
– *North-facing: Symbolizes **Lord Vishnu*
– *South-facing: Embodies **Rudra, the fierce form of **Lord Shiva*
The top portion of the idol, known as the Yantra, signifies the ultimate reality or cosmic power.
The Shivling is beautifully garlanded with a silver snake, and it is surrounded by idols of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya, representing the divine family of Lord Shiva.
Additionally, the temple houses three Nandi idols (Shiva’s sacred bull and vehicle)—one made of silver, one of black stone, and another of brass—placed reverently before the main sanctum.
The history of Eklingji Temple dates back to the 8th century, when Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Mewar Dynasty, built it. Over time, various Mewar rulers renovated and expanded the temple. The temple is not just a religious site—it is a symbol of Mewar’s heritage. The rulers of Mewar considered Eklingji the real king, and they ruled the kingdom as his representatives or ministers. This concept of divine kingship made Eklingji the spiritual and political protector of Mewar.
Long ago, in the land of Mewar, there lived a brave and pious warrior named Bappa Rawal. He belonged to the Guhila clan and was deeply devoted to Lord Shiva. One day, while roaming through the forests near the present-day Kailashpuri, Bappa came across a surprising sight. A cow would wander off daily and pour its milk on a particular stone in the middle of the forest. Curious about this strange behavior, Bappa followed the cow and found that it was offering its milk on a Shiva lingam hidden under the earth.
Feeling a divine presence, Bappa began meditating at that very spot. Pleased by his deep devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before him in a vision and blessed him. Shiva instructed Bappa to build a temple at that sacred place and assured him of divine protection. Bappa Rawal was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. He built a temple at the spot and named the deity Eklingji, meaning “The One God.”
As a mark of devotion, Bappa dedicated his entire kingdom to Lord Eklingji, declaring that he would rule the land only as the representative (Diwan) of the Lord. From that day onwards, every ruler of Mewar considered themselves the servants of Eklingji and ruled the kingdom in his name.
The Eklingji Temple celebrates several festivals, with Maha Shivaratri being the most significant. On this auspicious night, thousands of devotees gather to offer prayers, chant hymns, and stay awake in devotion to Lord Shiva. Other important festivals include Pradosh Vrat, observed every month on the 13th day of the lunar fortnight, when special rituals and prayers are held. Shravan Mondays are also highly regarded, with devotees visiting the temple to offer milk and water to the Shiva lingam. During Navratri, the temple is beautifully decorated, and special prayers are conducted. The temple’s daily rituals, particularly during these festivals, make it a spiritual hub for devotees of Lord Shiva
