Eklingji Temple Udaipur: A Place of Worship, History, and Art

India is home to many temples, but some are more than just places of prayer. One such temple is the Eklingji Temple Udaipur, located in the vibrant state of Rajasthan. This ancient temple is not only important for its religious value but also stands out for its stunning design and deep connection to the royal history of Mewar. It beautifully demonstrates how faith and art come together in a meaningful and timeless way.

In this blog, we will explore the history, architecture, religious importance, and cultural role of Eklingji Temple Udaipur. For travellers and devotees alike, it remains one of the must-visit spiritual destinations in Rajasthan.

If you’re planning a Udaipur sightseeing tour, make sure to include Eklingji Temple in your itinerary. Located just about 22 km from Udaipur city, it’s an easy and rewarding day trip. We’ll also provide useful travel tips, including visiting hours, entry information, and the best ways to reach the temple, so you can plan your journey with ease.

Where is Eklingji Temple Udaipur?

Eklingji Temple Udaipur is located in a small town called Kailashpuri, about 22 kilometres north of Udaipur city in Rajasthan. It takes around 30 to 40 minutes by road from Udaipur. The temple is surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli hills and peaceful lakes, which add to its spiritual atmosphere.

The History of Eklingji Temple Udaipur

The Eklingji Temple Udaipur has a long and rich history. It was built in the 8th century by Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Mewar dynasty. Bappa Rawal was a strong devotee of Lord Shiva and built the temple to honour Him.

What makes this temple unique is the belief that Lord Shiva, in the form of Eklingji, is the true ruler of Mewar. The kings of Mewar called themselves the servants of Lord Eklingji. They did not consider themselves the real rulers but believed they were ruling on behalf of the god.

This tradition of devotion continues even today. The royal family of Udaipur still respects Lord Eklingji as the supreme ruler of Mewar.

Temple Architecture and Art

The design of Eklingji Temple Udaipur is a wonderful example of ancient Indian architecture. It is built mainly from marble and sandstone. The main temple houses a black marble idol of Lord Eklingji with four faces, each looking in a different direction. These faces represent four forms of Lord Shiva: Surya (Sun), Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Protector), and Rudra (Destroyer).

The temple has a tall pyramidal roof, silver doors, and beautiful carvings. There are also over 100 smaller temples within the complex, dedicated to various gods and goddesses such as Parvati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya. Each temple has detailed carvings that tell stories from Hindu mythology.

These artistic designs show the skills of the craftsmen from the Mewar region. The carvings include images of gods, flowers, animals, and holy symbols. These decorations are not only beautiful but also meaningful in Hindu culture.

Eklingji Temple Renovation Process Unveiled

In the 14th century, following an invasion, Maharana Hamir Singh placed the first idol in the main sanctum of the Eklingji Temple. In the 15th century, Maharana Rana Kumbha carried out significant renovations, including the addition of a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. An inscription from 1460 refers to Rana Kumbha as a close associate of Lord Eklingji.

Later that century, the temple faced another assault by Ghiyath Shah of the Malwa Sultanate. Rana Raimal, son of Rana Kumbha, defeated Shah, captured him, and secured a ransom for his release. The funds were used to restore the temple’s grandeur, marking its final reconstruction. A new idol of Lord Eklingji was installed in the main complex during this restoration.

Religious Importance

Eklingji Temple Udaipur is a very important spiritual place, especially for the people of Mewar. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts thousands of devotees every year.

The temple has four main daily aartis (prayer services):

1. Mangala Aarti (early morning)
2. Bhog Aarti (late morning)
3. Sandhya Aarti (evening)
4. Shayan Aarti (night)

During these aartis, the idol is bathed, dressed in clean clothes, and worshipped with lights, flowers, and incense. The sound of bells and chants fills the air and creates a peaceful, holy feeling.

The most popular festival celebrated here is Maha Shivratri. On this day, thousands of people come to pray, chant mantras, and offer milk and flowers to the idol of Lord Shiva.

Connection with the Mewar Royal Family

One of the most special things about Eklingji Temple Udaipur is its connection to the Mewar royal family. For hundreds of years, the rulers of Mewar have considered Lord Eklingji their king. They believed they ruled the kingdom on behalf of the god.

Great rulers like Maharana Pratap were strong devotees of Lord Eklingji. Before any important event, like going to war or performing royal ceremonies, they would visit the temple to ask for blessings.

Even today, the royal family visits the temple regularly and takes part in religious events. This deep connection between the temple and the royal family adds to its importance.

Places to visit near Eklingji Temple Udaipur

Located just 22 km from Udaipur, Eklingji Temple is surrounded by several fascinating sites. Nearby, visit the Saas-Bahu Temples in Nagda, known for intricate 10th-century carvings. Just a short drive away is Nathdwara, famous for the Shrinathji Temple. For history lovers, Haldighati, the legendary battlefield of Maharana Pratap, is worth exploring. Lake Bagela offers serene views, ideal for quiet reflection. You can also explore Udaipur’s main attractions like City Palace, Lake Pichola, and Jagdish Temple, all within 30–40 minutes. These spots make a perfect spiritual and cultural day trip around Eklingji.

Entry fees and timings of Eklingji Temple Udaipur

There is no entry fee to visit Eklingji temple. The Eklingji Temple is open in three shifts. Temple timings are from 4:30 am to 7 am in the morning, then from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm and then in the evening from 5 pm to 7:30 pm.

Why You Should Visit Eklingji Temple Udaipur

There are many reasons why you should visit Eklingji Temple Udaipur:

• It is a place of deep peace and spirituality.
• The architecture and carvings are beautiful and full of meaning.
• You can learn about the rich history of the Mewar dynasty.
• It is a great way to see Indian culture and religious traditions.

Whether you are a tourist, a spiritual seeker, or a history lover, this temple offers something special. A visit to Eklingji Temple Udaipur is not just a trip to a temple. It is a journey into the soul of Rajasthan.

Conclusion

The Eklingji Temple Udaipur is a perfect example of how faith, art, and history come together. Built over 1,200 years ago, it still stands strong as a symbol of devotion and culture.

From its beautiful idol of Lord Shiva to its intricate carvings and deep-rooted connection with the Mewar royal family, the temple has a story to tell at every corner. It teaches us about devotion, respect, and the enduring power of belief.

If you are planning a visit, consider booking a reliable taxi service in Udaipur to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free. Many local services offer guided trips to Eklingji Temple Udaipur, making it easy for travelers to explore the site and nearby attractions.

If you are ever in Rajasthan, don’t miss the chance to visit Eklingji Temple Udaipur. It will give you peace, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of India’s spiritual and cultural roots. And with a convenient taxi service in Udaipur, getting there is as enriching as the destination itself.