Eklingji Temple (Entry Fee, Timings, History, Best Time to Visit)

History

The history of Eklingji Temple is recorded in the Ekalinga Mahatmya, a historical text written in the 15th century. According to the text, the original temple was built in 734 A.D. by ruler Bappa Rawal. The temple has been a victim of loot and plunders during the rule of Delhi Sultanate. The original temple and its idols were physically damaged. In the late years, the temple was renovated and modified by many kings to preserve the glory and faith of people in Shri Eklingji. The temple originally belonged to Pashupata sect, then Nath sect and post 16th century it is managed and controlled by Ramanandis.

Architecture

Eklingji Temple has a marvelous architecture. The temple is double storied with colossal pyramidal style roof and remarkably carved tower which adds to its beauty.

Exterior:- The exterior walls of temples are stretched with stairs which directly descends in the water.

Entrance:- On entering the temple, you will greet a silver image of Nandi (bull). According to mythology, Nandi is considered to be the gate-guardian deity of Mountain Kailasa. There are two other carvings of Nandi in brass and black stone in the temple.

Interior:- The four-faced idol of Lord Shiva or Eklingji is placed in the main temple. The statue is placed in a towering pillared hall called a mandap.

Four-faced statue:- The idol is about 50 feet in height and is made out of black stone. The four-faced figure depicts four different forms of Lord Shiva. The eastern side recognizes Surya (the sun), western side recognizes Lord Brahma (the ultimate creator), northern side recognizes Lord Vishu(the supreme being), and the southern side is Rudra (the mightiest of the mighty). The Eklinga statue is encircled with the figures of Goddess Parvati (Wife of Shiva), Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikay (sons of Shiva).

Around the temple :-The north side of the temple has two tanks named- Karz Kund and Tulsi Kund.

How to reach

By Airways:- Dabok airport is located 21 Km away from the main city center. There are five major cities, namely- Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Aurangabad, which are connected to Udaipur. If you are short of time then taking flight is a suitable option.

By Railways:- Udaipur is connected to many places via rail network. The railway is located just 3 km away from the City center. You can find a direct train from Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Chittaur, Ajmer, and Ahmedabad to the City of Lakes, Udaipur. The train journeys can be really fun when you are traveling with your family or friends, so don’t forget to ask them to tag along.

By Roadways:- Udaipur is connected to National Highway 8. NH 8 is a major Delhi- Mumbai link road. You can take advantage of public transport like cabs, taxis, and buses. The four states(i.e., Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh) transport corporation run their buses to and from Udaipur offering affordable, safe and comfortable journey.