EklingJi Temple, Udaipur, India
About Eklingji Temple – Location
The Eklingji temple, is devoted to Lord Shiva, the tutelary deity of the former Mewar rulers. It is situated approximately 24 km to the north of Udaipur.
Eklingji Shiva temple Udaipur is a huge complex consisting of 108 temples. Enclosing the temple are high walls with bathing terraces leading down to the water. Filling the temple with fragrance all the time are the lighted incense materials.
History – Eklingji temple
One of the legends relating to Eklingji is that after killing Vrakshasur, indra had meditated and prayed toeklingji in repentance and to be free of the curse.
According to another legend, Bapparawa had seen the Shivlinga in his dream when he was in trouble and when the problem was solved, he constructed the tample and later build Mewar. The ruler of Mewar regards Eklangji as the real kingdom.
Architecture of Eklingji Temple
Eklingji temple houses a 50 feet high multi-faced black stone statue of Lord Shiva. There are four faces of the statue, depicting Lord Shiva in his four forms. In the east is Surya (sun), in the west is Brahma, in the north is Vishnu and in the south is Rudra. In the center of these images is the Shivlinga, encircled by a silver snake. The temple houses the whole family of Lord Shiva, including Parvatiji (wife of Shiva) and Ganeshji (son of Shiva).
Eklingji temple also contains the statues of Yamuna and Saraswati. The temple has silver doors depicting Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. Located nearby Eklingji Shiva temple, are the temples of Amba Mata, Ganeshji and Kalika. Also shown in the brackets are nymphs in erotic dance postures and a life size image of Bapparawal.
It is a beautiful temple complex, with fine art work and delicate sculptures and of course a soothing spiritual atmosphere.
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. The prayer service is performed in a very elaborate and authentic manner, using the Vedic and Tantric styles – beginning sharp at 4 in the morning.
Shivratri is an important religious event here, on this day the image of the deity is decked with jewellery and large gatherings of devout hindus come here to offer prayers.
Image Source: Wikipedia
