Are you looking for a unique and memorable destination for your next trip? Do you want to explore the rich and diverse culture of Rajasthan, India? If yes, then you should definitely visit Eklingji Temple in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Eklingji Temple is a stunning Hindu temple complex that dates back to the 8th century. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme god of Hinduism and the patron deity of the Mewar dynasty. The temple complex consists of 108 temples within its high walls, made out of marble and sandstone. The main shrine houses a four-faced black marble idol of Lord Shiva, known as Eklingji, which is lavishly decorated with jewels and ornaments.
Eklingji Temple is not only a place of worship but also a place of history and culture. It has witnessed the rise and fall of many kingdoms and dynasties in Rajasthan. It has also been the center of many festivals and celebrations that showcase the vibrant and colorful traditions of the local people.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Eklingji Temple in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. We will cover its history, architecture, festivals, timings, and best time to visit. We will also give you some tips and suggestions on how to make the most of your visit to this amazing temple complex.
History of Eklingji Temple and its Relation to Mewar Dynasty
Eklingji Temple was built in 734 AD by Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Mewar dynasty. He was a devout worshipper of Lord Shiva and considered him as the ruler of Mewar. He built the temple as a tribute to his lord and named it after him.
The temple was later modified and rebuilt by various kings of Mewar over the centuries. The most notable among them was Maharana Kumbha, who renovated the temple in the 15th century and added many new structures and features. He also built a magnificent fort near the temple, known as Kumbhalgarh Fort, which is another popular attraction in Udaipur.
Eklingji Temple played a crucial role in the political and religious affairs of Mewar and Rajasthan. It was the seat of power and authority for the Mewar kings, who ruled as the prime ministers or dewans of Lord Shiva. The temple was also the site of many battles and wars between Mewar and its enemies.
One of the most famous legends associated with Eklingji Temple is that of Maharana Pratap, the legendary warrior king of Mewar. He fought against the Mughal emperor Akbar in the Battle of Haldighati in 1576. He was a loyal devotee of Lord Shiva and sought his blessings before going to war. He also carried a sword that was given to him by Lord Shiva himself at Eklingji Temple.
Architecture of Eklingji Temple and its Main Features
Eklingji Temple is a masterpiece of intricate craftsmanship using marble and sandstone. The temple complex covers an area of about 2500 square meters and is surrounded by high walls. The temple complex has four entrances, each facing a different direction.
The main entrance is on the western side and leads to a large hall or mandapa. The hall has a silver statue of Nandi, the bull mount of Lord Shiva. The hall also has a statue of Bappa Rawal, the founder of Mewar dynasty, facing Nandi with his hands clasped.
The main shrine or garbhagriha is on the eastern side of the hall. It is a double-storied building with a pyramidal roof and a carved tower. The shrine houses a four-faced black marble idol of Lord Shiva, known as Eklingji. The idol has four faces representing four aspects of Lord Shiva: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), Shiva (the destroyer), and Surya (the sun god). The idol is adorned with jewels and ornaments and has a silver snake around its neck.
The main shrine also has smaller shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities such as Goddess Parvati (the consort of Lord Shiva), Lord Ganesha (the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success), Lord Kartikeya (the god of war and son of Lord Shiva), Goddess Ganga (the river goddess), Goddess Yamuna (the river goddess), and Goddess Saraswati (the goddess of learning and arts).
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The temple complex also has many other temples and structures that are worth exploring. Some of them are:
Amba Mata Temple: A temple dedicated to Goddess Amba or Durga, the warrior goddess and the mother of the universe. The temple has a beautiful idol of the goddess made of white marble.
Kalka Mata Temple: A temple dedicated to Goddess Kalka or Kali, the fierce goddess and the destroyer of evil. The temple has a black stone idol of the goddess with eight arms and a tongue sticking out.
Sas-Bahu Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. The temple has two structures, one larger and one smaller, hence the name Sas-Bahu (mother-in-law and daughter-in-law). The temple has exquisite carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
Adbhutji Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple has a huge idol of Lord Varaha lifting the earth on his tusks.
Festivals and Celebrations at Eklingji Temple
Eklingji Temple is not only a place of worship but also a place of culture and festivity. The temple is the center of attraction during major Hindu festivals, especially those related to Lord Shiva. Some of the festivals and celebrations that take place at Eklingji Temple are:
Maha Shivaratri:
This is the most important festival at Eklingji Temple. It is celebrated in February or March every year. It marks the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati and also performed his cosmic dance or tandava. On this day, devotees throng the temple to offer prayers, milk, flowers, fruits, and sweets to Lord Shiva. They also observe fasts, chant mantras, and perform rituals throughout the night.
Gangaur:
This is another important festival at Eklingji Temple. It is celebrated in March or April every year. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, who is also known as Gauri or Gangaur. On this day, women dress up in colorful clothes and jewelry and worship Goddess Parvati for their marital bliss and happiness. They also carry clay idols of the goddess in a procession around the temple and immerse them in a nearby lake or pond.
Janmashtami:
This is a festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, who is an avatar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is celebrated in August or September every year. On this day, devotees decorate the temple with flowers, lights, and flags. They also sing devotional songs, dance, and enact scenes from Lord Krishna’s life. They also offer butter, milk, curd, and sweets to Lord Krishna.
How to Reach Eklingji Temple
Eklingji Temple is located in the town of Eklingji or Kailashpuri, about 22 km north of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. It is easily accessible by road from Udaipur and other nearby cities.
By Car:
The most convenient way to reach Eklingji Temple is by car or taxi. You can hire a car or taxi from Udaipur or any other nearby city and drive along the National Highway 8 (NH 8) till you reach the temple. The journey takes about 40 minutes from Udaipur and costs around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 depending on the type of vehicle and the season.
By Bus:
Another option to reach Eklingji Temple is by bus. You can take a bus from Udaipur or any other nearby city that goes to Nathdwara or Kumbhalgarh and get down at Eklingji bus stop. The bus fare ranges from Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 depending on the type of bus and the distance. From the bus stop, you can walk for about 10 minutes or take an auto-rickshaw for Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 to reach the temple.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Eklingji Temple is Udaipur City Railway Station, which is about 24 km away from the temple. You can take a train from any major city in India to Udaipur and then take a car, taxi, or bus from the railway station to reach the temple.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Eklingji Temple is Maharana Pratap Airport, which is about 34 km away from the temple. You can take a flight from any major city in India to Udaipur and then take a car, taxi, or bus from the airport to reach the temple.
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Timings and Best Time to Visit Eklingji Temple
Eklingji Temple is open for visitors from 4:15 AM to 6:45 AM, 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and 5:15 PM to 7:45 PM every day. The best time to visit during the day is in the morning or evening when the temple is less crowded and more serene.
The best time to visit Eklingji Temple in terms of weather and climate is from October to March. This is when Udaipur experiences pleasant and cool weather with clear skies and moderate temperatures. This is also when most of the festivals and celebrations take place at Eklingji Temple.
The summer season from April to June is very hot and dry in Udaipur with temperatures soaring up to 45 degrees Celsius. This can make visiting Eklingji Temple uncomfortable and exhausting.
The monsoon season from July to September brings heavy rains and humidity to Udaipur. This can cause waterlogging and flooding in some areas. This can also affect the visibility and accessibility of Eklingji Temple.
Best Places to Eat Near Eklingji Temple
If you are visiting this temple, you might also want to enjoy some delicious food nearby. Here are some of the best places to eat near Eklingji Temple:
Syah:
This is a fine dining restaurant that offers a unique and innovative culinary experience. It is located in a farm near Ananta Resort, about 9 km away from Eklingji Temple. It serves contemporary Indian cuisine with local and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has a cozy and elegant ambiance and a stunning view of the hills and lake. Some of the dishes that you can try here are the smoked tomato soup, the beetroot carpaccio, the lamb shank nihari, and the chocolate mousse cake. The restaurant also has a bar that serves cocktails, wines, and beers. You can book your table in advance through their website.
The Bake Affair:
This is a bakery and cafe that serves mouthwatering cakes, pastries, sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, and more. It is located opposite Saheliyo Ki Badi, about 18 km away from Eklingji Temple. It has a bright and cheerful ambiance and a friendly staff. Some of the items that you can try here are the chocolate truffle cake, the cheese garlic bread, the paneer tikka sandwich, and the cold coffee. The cafe also has free Wi-Fi and board games for your entertainment.
McDonald’s:
This is a fast food chain that serves burgers, fries, nuggets, wraps, ice creams, and more. It is located in Celebration Mall, about 19 km away from Eklingji Temple. It has a spacious and clean ambiance and a quick service. Some of the items that you can try here are the McAloo Tikki burger, the McVeggie burger, the McChicken nuggets, and the McFlurry Oreo.
Vallabha Dinning Hall:
This is a vegetarian restaurant that serves Rajasthani thali, which is a platter of various dishes served with roti, rice, dal, and sweets. It is located near Sukhadia Circle, about 20 km away from Eklingji Temple. It has a simple and neat ambiance and a courteous staff. The thali is unlimited and delicious, with dishes like gatte ki sabzi, ker sangri, dal bati churma, and jalebi4.
Radhe Radhe Restaurant:
This is another vegetarian restaurant that serves Rajasthani thali as well as Chinese, South Indian, and North Indian dishes. It is located near Fateh Sagar Lake, about 21 km away from Eklingji Temple. It has a pleasant and comfortable ambiance and a prompt service.
Eklingji Temple in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India is a magnificent Hindu temple complex that showcases the spiritual and cultural heritage of Rajasthan. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the patron deity of the Mewar dynasty. It has a rich history, architecture, festivals, timings, and best time to visit.
If you are looking for a unique and memorable destination for your next trip, you should definitely visit Eklingji Temple in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. You will be amazed by its beauty, charm, and divinity.
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