Eklingii Temple

The famous city of Udaipur, the Venice of the East, is the historic capital of the former Mewar is one of the best tourist destinations that have attracted tourists from many decades. Of the innumerable temples that lay scattered all along the city is the Eklingii that is positioned some 12 miles to the north of Udaipur. It is one of the most preferred spot that is considered best for Excursions around Udaipur. The Eklingii Temple is an ancient site that comprises of 108 temples all of which are enclosed by walls that tower to huge heights. Etched out of sandstone and marble the beautifully carved the temples built in 743 AD are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva, the principal deity of Mewar who resides in the Eklingii Temple is worshipped as the Ultimate Reality and it is believed that the devotees who come here are showered with the blessings of this supreme power. Located in the small and the beautiful town of Kailashpuri, the complex consists of a series of steps that leads one to the 'kund'. Spreading over an area of 2500 square feet and towering to a height of 65 feet, the Eklingii Temple comprises of a 'mandap' that is sheltered by a huge pyramidical roof. The lavishlt carved pillar hall that lays on the western part of the temple houses a silver image of Nandi. Of the two other 'Nandis' in the temple one is made of black stone and the other of brass.

The present day surviving Eklingii Temple is built on the ruins of the destroyed temple. The four faced image Shiva, representing Vishnu on the north, Maheshwar on the south, Brahma on the west and the Surya on the east is one of the famous idols located within the hotel premises. The flat top covered with 'Yantra' on the top symbolizes the ultimate reality. The temple is believed to be founded by Acharya Vishwaroop who is supposedly a contemporary of Adi Sankaracharya.

The other deities who are worshipped in the Eklingii Temple are Parvati, Ganesah, Kartikeya,Yamuna and Saraswati. Of all the famous temples housed in the vicinity are the 'Nathon Ka Mandir that dates back to the 10th century and the 'Sas-Bahu Marble Temple' of the 11th century. The Eklingii Temple is widely known for its extensive manner of Vedic and tantric styles in which the deity is offered the prayers.