One of the most famous temples in Rajasthan is the Eklingji temple, dedicated to the Hindu God, Shiva. It is located at Kailashpuri or the Eklingji town and this town has derived its name from this temple. From the national highway no. 8 it is at a distance of 22 km to the north of Udaipur. Bappa Rawal built this beautiful temple in 734 AD. For the rulers of Mewar, the ruling deity was Eklingji. The Mohammedans attacked it but the kings repaired and modified the temple when they came back to power.

Lord Shiva or Eklingji’s four faced idol, which is 50 feet tall, in black marble is seen here. Shivas’ four forms, namely Lord Brahma, Lord Surya, Rudra that is Lord Shiva himself and Lord Vishnu are depicted in the four faces. The idol stands for the ultimate reality – Yantra. For tourists, one of the major attractions is the silver snake that garlands the idols neck. Statues of Lord Kartikey, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati encircle the Shivling. Besides these you also get to see the idols of Goddess Yamuna and Goddess Saraswati also. The main doors are made in silver and depicting Lord Kartikay and Lord Ganesha guarding their father. While offering services to the Lord, water is used from the nearby Tulsi Kund and Karz Kund water tanks. The Shivrati festival is celebrated with full fervor and gusto here.

The Eklingji Temples

Nathon Ka Mandir

This temple dating back to the tenth century attracts the attention of almost every tourist.

Sas Bahu Temple

The Sas-Bahu temple was constructed in the 11th century using the finest marble.

Jain Temple of Adbhudji

The history of this temple dates back to the 15th century. This one too is made of marble but black marble has been used.

Lakulish Temple

This is one of the finest temples in Udaipur. It was constructed in the year 971. This is a dedicated temple of the Lakulish sect. Architecture of this temple can make almost anyone ponder over the skills of the artists during that time.

Architecture Of Eklingji Temple

In execution, the temple is simply perfect and in conception it is truly magnificent and grant. The shikhar or tower of the temple is fifty feet high with a 60 ft circumference. There are 4 doors to the sanctum sanctorum which open in all the four directions. Beautiful gems are used for decorating the steps. From the time it was built in the 14th century, it was rebuilt, repaired and expanded many times. Its distinct tower is carved and the roof is in pyramidal style, thus making this two storied temple appear truly awesome. Steps descend from the temple’s outer walls, and touch the cool and serene waters. A huge pyramidal roof shelters the mandap or the hall inside the complex. Nandi, made in silver, welcomes tourists as they enter the hall. Besides the silver Nandi there is a brass and black stone Nandi also in the temple. The Maharana Bhagwat Singh installed Bappa Rawal’s man sized statue here.

How To Reach Eklingji Temple

By Air

Eklingji is well connected to other places in the country by air. The Dabok or the Maharana Pratap Airport is located from Udaipur at a distance of 22 km. The city is also connected to Kolkata, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi, by many of the domestic airlines. From Mumbai and Delhi, air services are regularly available.

By Rail

Trains run frequently from Udaipur to connect with Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai. Other cities of Rajasthan and rest of the country too are well connected to Udaipur by trains. For those who want to pamper themselves, a good option is the beautiful and luxurious train, ‘The Palace on Wheels’.

By Road

Udaipur is well connected to Mumbai and Delhi by the National Highway No.8

It is also connected to Mount Abu that is 185 km away, Ahmedabad at a distance of 262 km, Agra that is 630 km away, Jodhpur that is 275 km far and Jaipur that is 406 km away. Regular buses are available from Udaipur, Kota, Mount Abu, Indore, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Ajmer and Delhi to Eklingji.