Eklingji, the city dotted with
temples, is located about twelve miles to the North of Udaipur in
Rajasthan. 22 kms from Udaipur, Eklingji is a complex of 108 ancient
temples, incised out of sandstone and marble. The temple, built in AD
734, to propagate the blessings of Lord Shiva, worshipped as the
Ultimate Reality, the supreme power, and the wholesome one - Parabhrama,
is venerated by the Mewar household.
The temples of Eklingji located here, are exquisitely carved and
dedicated to Lord Shiva, guardian deity of Mewar. This deity was
regarded as the virtual ruler, by the Maharajas of Mewar - who
considered themselves to be regents (Dewans) under Eklingji.
Ekligji (Kailashpuri) is a town situated in a beautiful valley,
attracting plentitude of visitors throughout the year. It is a complex
with a flight of steps leading to the 'kund'. It has an ornate 'mandap'
or pillared hall with the canopy of a huge pyramidical roof composed of
hundreds of knots.
The temple occupies an area of about 2500 sq. feet and is about 65 feet
in height. The temple area is fortified with a strong wall running
around it. The main entrance to the temple on the western side welcomes
visitors into a big hall resting on lavishly carved pillars. In this
hall, is a silver image of Nandi. There are two more Nandis in the
temple, one made of black stone and the other of brass.
Dating back to the 15th century AD, the existing structure is built out
of the ruins of a previously destroyed structure. The sanctum sanctorum
has a four-faced image of Shiva, representing Brahma facing west, Vishnu
facing north, Maheshwar facing south and 'Surya' (Sun) facing the east.
The flat top of the composite idol is covered with a Yantra, a mystic
symbolic drawing, standing for the ultimate reality.
This temple is said to have been founded by Acharya Viswaroop, a
contemporary of Adi Shankaracharya and is linked with the Sharada Math
at Dwaraka, which was also founded by Adi Shankaracharya.
Other deities housed in the temple complex include Parvati, Ganesha,
Ganga, Kartikeya, Yamuna and Saraswati. There are also small temples
dedicated to Amba Mata, Kalka Mata and Ganesh in the temple complex.
There is another temple called Nathon Ka Mandir in the temple complex
with inscriptions dating back to the 10th century AD. No worship is
offered here.
There are two tanks situated on the northern side of the temple - Karz
Kund and Tulsi Kund. Water from these tanks is utilized for temple
services. Temple services are performed in a very elaborate manner in
the Vedic and Tantric styles - everyday beginning at 4 in the morning.
Shivratri is an important religious event, when the image of the deity
is decked with jewellery.
There are about 70 temples in all. Mention must be made of the Sas-Bahu
Marble Temple, dating back to the 11th century. It is a fine specimen of
ancient art with sculptural details. The Adbhudji Jain Temple is of
black marble and it dates back to the 15th century AD. |
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