Eklingji Temple, Udaipur –
History
Eklingji is believed to be the
ruling deity of Mewar Kingdom. Eklingji was considered as the ruler
of Mewar Kingdom and the Maharanas of Mewar Kingdom have ruled as a
representative of Lord Eklingji. As per the 15th century text Ekalinga
Mahatmya, the original temple was constructed by King Bappa Rawal of Mewar
Kingdom in 8th century CE as per the advice of Acharya Viswaroopa (a
contemporary of Adi Shankaracharya). This temple is also believed to be the
place where Bappa Rawal was believed to have received religious discourse from
Harit Rishi.
The original temple and the
idol were destroyed during invasions by the Delhi Sultanate rulers.
The earliest extant idol was installed by Maharana Hammir Singh (1314 – 1364
CE). He also carried out extensive renovations to the main temple. Maharana
Kumbha (1433 – 1468 CE) rebuilt this temple in 15th century and added a Vishnu
shrine to this temple complex. One of his inscription dated to 1460 CE
describes him as the personal servant of Ekling.
Ghiyath Shah of Malwa Sultanate
attacked Mewar and devastated Eklingji in the later 15th century CE.
King Rana Raimal (1473 – 1509 CE), son of Rana Kumbha defeated and captured Ghiyath
Shah alive. He obtained a huge ransom for his release. Rana Raimal rebuilt the temple complex with this ransom and installed the present idol in the main
shrine. The temple originally belonged to the Pasupatha sect and was
subsequently in the custody of the Nath sect.
The temple came under the
control of Ramanandis in 16th century CE. The temple was managed by
a private trust named Eklingji Trust established by Maharana Bhupal Singhji of
Mewar, in April 1955. This temple is a private temple of Maharanas. However,
the daily pooja is performed by priests appointed by Maharanas. These priests
declare during the pooja that they are performing the pooja in the name of
Maharana and the priest receives the blessings of Eklingji at the end of the
pooja for the Maharana.
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