Located 22km away from Udaipur, Eklingji temple is one of the popular temples in Rajasthan. In this temple, Hindu Lord Shiva is worshipped. According to historical records, Eklingji or Shiva temple was set up by Acharya Viswaroopa. Later on, it became a prominent place of worship for Mewar rulers. It was attacked several times by the invaders. But, succeeding rulers of Mewar restored it every time.
Eklingji Temple Udaipur History
Eklingji temple is one of several ancient temples in Rajasthan and India. Maharaja Bappa Rawal built the Eklingji temple in 734 AD. Eklingji has been worshipped by Mewar rulers for centuries. The Delhi Sultanate rulers, however, destroyed the temple and idol of Eklingji during their invasion. After that, some kings rebuilt the temple.
Architecture of Eklingji Temple
The two-storied Eklingji Temple in Udaipur flaunts pyramid shaped roof and an elegant tower. There is a huge complex with large pillared halls. Once you enter the premises, you can see a beautiful silver idol of Nandi. You can also spot other Nandi images in the temple. They are made of two materials i.e. black stone and brass. The main idol in the temple is of Eklingji or Lord Shiva. The image has four faces carved in black marble. The four faces represent the four different forms of the Deity. The face in the east is a representation of Surya and in west it depicts Lord Brahma. The south facing figure stands for Rudra and north facing one is a symbol of Lord Vishnu.
A combination of all the four forms of the idol symbolizes ultimate truth or ‘Yantra’. Tourists from various parts of the world come to this temple to take in the peaceful views of the Shivlinga which is adorned with a silver snake. Shivlinga is the phallic shape of the Lord Shiva. Height of the image is around 50 feet.
Around this symbol, you can see the images of Goddess Parvati, Lord Kartikay and Lord Ganesha. Idols of Goddess Yamuna and Goddess Saraswati are also housed in the temple complex. In addition, on a visit to Eklingji temple in Udaipur, you will come across huge silver doors and two tanks. The tanks are named as Tulsi Kund and Karz Kund.
Darshan & Aarti Timings for Eklingji Temple in Udaipur
The temple offers darshan in the morning and evening. The Eklingji temple Udaipur darshan timings are 4:30 am to 7:00 am and 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. In the evenings, devotees can have darshan between 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm.
Aarti ceremonies are also held at specific times. Aartis are held in the morning at 5:30 am, 8:15 am, 9:15 am, and 11:30 am. In the afternoon, Aarti is held at 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm. The final aarti timings are at 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm.
Entry fees and Timings of Eklingji Temple Udaipur
There is no entry fee for visitors to Eklingji Temple. Devotees can visit this temple 4:30 am to 7 am in the morning, 10:30 am to 1:30 pm in the afternoon, and 5 pm to 7:30 pm in the evening.
Our Udaipur sightseeing tours can take you to the Eklingji Temple and many other attractions in the city.
Best Time to Visit Eklingji Temple Udaipur
Any time of the year is a good time to visit Eklingji Temple Udaipur as it is open all year round. If you want to see Eklingji Temple and other tourist attractions, October through March are the best times to visit. The winter season is a wonderful time to visit Udaipur. Rajasthan is a desert region, so the summer months are extremely hot.
Things To Do At Eklingji Shiva Temple Udaipur
Udaipur in Rajasthan state of India offers much more than just visiting its beautiful tourist attractions. You can shop at the famous markets of Udaipur, take a ropeway tour, ride a bicycle, enjoy a folk dance show, and take a boat ride. By participating in these activities, you will also gain a deeper understanding of Rajasthan’s rich culture.
Places to visit Near Eklingji Temple Udaipur
Jag Mandir Mahal – Lake Pichola’s Jag Mandir Mahal is well known for its beautiful interiors and majestic architecture. By boat, you can reach the Mahal from the city palace.
Fateh Sagar Lake – This lake is made up of three islands connected by a long bridge, and each island has a park that can be accessed by boat. It is only a few kilometres from Eklingji temple.
Taj Lake Palace – Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur is undoubtedly one of the best hotels for travellers near Birla Temple in Udaipur.
Pichola Lake – Pichola Lake is the first artificial lake in Udaipur, built by Pichhu Banjara in the 13th century. If you’re visiting Eklingji Shiva Temple Udaipur, make sure you visit this lake.
Doodh Talai – Doodh Talai is home to Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, Lake Palace, etc. The Karni Mata Temple can be found at the top of Machla Magra hill.
Main Attraction at Eklingji Temple
Udaipur Eklingji Temple is largely visited during a Hindu festival called Shivratri. On this occasion, the Lord Shiva’s image is beautifully bejewelled.
How to reach Eklingji Temple
It is one of the finest temples in Udaipur. You need to travel around 22 kms from Udaipur to reach National Highway No.8, where the temple is located. You can hire a bus or cab to arrive here.