Eklingji Temple, Udaipur – History

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 15^th century text Ekalinga Mahatmya, the original temple was constructed by King Bappa Rawal of Mewar Kingdom in 8^th 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 15^th 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 16^th 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.