|
The Eklingji Temple is located about 22 km to the north of the Venice of the East, which is also known as Udaipur. This is a complex of 108 ancient temples, chiselled out of sandstone and marble. The temple complex was built nearly 1300 years ago in the honour of Lord Shiva. This temple was founded by Acharya Viswaroop, a contemporary of Adi Shankaracharya, and is said to be linked with the Sharada Math at Dwaraka, which was also founded by Adi Shankaracharya.
Lord Shiva is the guardian deity of Mewar and was regarded as the region's virtual ruler, by the Maharajas of Mewar who considered themselves to be regents under Eklingji, another name for Shiva. Eklingji is also a small town located in a picturesque valley, where this temple complex lies. Eklingji Temple complex is beautifully carved with a flight of steps leading to the 'kund'. It has an ornate pillared hall with the canopy of a huge pyramidical roof with hundreds of knots. The Eklingji Temple is spread across an area of about 2500 sq. ft. and is surrounded by strong walls. The temple is about 65 ft. tall.
The main entrance of the temple from the western side leads to a huge hall resting on intricately carved pillars and this houses a silver image of Nandi. The temple also has two more Nandis, made of black stone and brass respectively. The sanctum sanctorum of the Eklingji Temple has a striking four-faced image of Lord Shiva, and represents Brahma facing the west, Vishnu facing the north, Maheshwar facing the south and Surya facing the east. All these add to the ethereal aura of the temple. The top of this composite idol is covered by a mystic symbolic drawing, standing for the ultimate truth.
The other deities honoured in the temple complex are Parvati, Ganesha, Ganga, Kartikeya, Yamuna and Saraswati. Small temples that are dedicated to Amba Mata, Kalka Mata and Ganesh are also housed in the temple complex.
Apart from the Eklingji Temple this temple complex also houses Nathon Ka Mandir which has inscriptions dating nearly 1000 years ago. Two tanks named Karz Kund and Tulsi Kund are situated on the northern side of the temple and the water from these tanks are utilized for temple purposes. The temple services are carried out in a very elaborate manner in the Vedic and Tantric styles starting at four every morning. The most important festival celebrated here is Shivratri when the deity is adorned with every kind of jewellery.
One of the prominent temples in the temple complex is the Sas-Bahu Marble Temple, which was built nearly 900 years ago, and is a fine specimen of ancient architecture along with intricate sculptural details. The Adbhudji Jain Temple constructed with black marble stone, dates back to the 15th century.
To more about tourist attractions in and around Udaipur go to:
| 
