subject: Eklingji Temples - A Revered Place Of Pilgrimage In The Abode Of Lord Shiva [print this page] Cradled between the beautiful North Indian mountains in the historic Rajput stronghold of Rajasthan is found the city of Kailashpuri, known to the ancients as the abode of the God Shiva. The city rests within a scenic valley and upon the quiet shores of its lake Indersagar rise the towers of the Eklingji Temples.
These temples are among the most famous and holiest in India, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. The deity is considered the protector and Lord of the Mewar rulers since times of old and is feted here in fervour and grandeur that spans two thousand years. Even today, the Maharana of Udaipur (regarded as the earthly regent of the Lord) makes a weekly journey to the Eklingji temples from his home city 20km to the south of Kailashpuri.
The Eklingji temples are a complex of 108 shrines located within one enclosure. Its name is derived from the imposing black marble statue of the four faced Mahadeva. The face of the Sun God Surya faces east, the face of Lord Brahma looks west, Lord Vishnu gazes north and Lord Shiva himself looks to the south. The pinnacle of this multi-faceted statue represents Yanthra, or the ultimate reality. This statue is known as Eklingji, or the one with one phallus, which name has grown to serve the entire complex.
This was constructed by Bappa Rawal somewhere in 700 A.D and has endured repeated attacks by Mughal armies in the times past to be resurrected time and time again. Therefore, its present-day loveliness does not retain the same appearance of its original construction, although this does little to detract from the sense of history and mysticism which with the site is imbued. Eklingji temple is said to be built on the site of a former 72-roomed Jain temple within which was enshrined a similar four-faced idol of Jainism first saint, Adinathji.
The main temple is a striking building of white marble with a distinctive double-storied porch supported by tall columns and towers with pyramidal roofs. The steps from the outer walls of the enclosure descend into the gently lapping waters of the lake. The interior of the complex takes the form of a cavernous pillared hall (mandap) where images of Lord Shivas bull familiar Nandi are scattered at intervals, as are sculptures and engravings of Lord Shivas consorts and sons from the Hindu pantheon. The interiors are famous for its lavish silver engravings on doorways, screens and lamps.
In one corner, an underground pool contains a small shrine upon whose walls are inscribed a veritable treasure trove of historical accounts of both the region and the temple. Most of these originate from the time of Rana Raimal, the 16th century ruler known to have last renovated and repaired the temples.
Among the other, smaller temples and shrines found within the enclosure is the 10th century Lakulish temple, the only temple of its kind in the entire country. The shrines of Amba Mata and Kala Mata also appear among the temples as do Sas-Bahu temple, Nathon Ka Mandir and the Jain temple of Adbhudji.
The two tanks found north of the temples, Karz and Tulsi Kund provides water for to be used in the services for Lord Shiva. The Shaivite festival of Shiva Rathri is observed upon these shores and within the temple complex with much pomp and splendour.
Travellers can explore more of the Shaivite heritage of the region while staying at one of the many well-appointed Udaipur hotels. The Leela Palace Kempinsky Udaipur is a well-reputed Udaipur heritage hotel providing a unique and well-serviced vantage point into the sight-seeing gems of the region.
