Eklingji Temple, Udaipur – The Temple Complex

Eklingji Temple, Udaipur – The Temple Complex

The temple complex is facing towards west and surrounded by massive compound wall. The main shrine stands over a raised platform and covers an area of about 2500 sq.ft. The main shrine is a double storied structure and consists of sanctum with doors on cardinal directions, antrala and sabha mandapa. A black stone Nandi and a metallic Nandi made of Ashtadhatu (eight metals) can be seen in the sabha mandapa facing towards the sanctum.

An idol of Bappa Rawal in worshipping posture can be seen behind this Nandi facing towards the sanctum. This idol is said to have been established by Maharana Bhagwat Singh. The superstructure over the sabha mandapa is of pyramidal style. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Eklingji in the form of four faced Linga made of black marble. The north face represents Vishnu, east face represents Surya, south face represents Rudra and west face represents Brahma.

The top of the Shiva Linga represents the embodiment of Sadashiva with his consort Amba. The sanctum sanctorum has four doors in all the four directions and the door steps are jutted with gems. A Nandi can be seen facing the Linga in front of each door. Idols of Goddess Parvati, Ganesha and Kartikeya can be seen around the Lingam. The western and the southern doors are covered with silver. The eastern gate has stone lattices to allow fresh air to enter the sanctum.

The shikara over the sanctum follows nagara style architecture and is about 65 feet tall. There are two tanks situated on the northern side of the temple premises namely Karz Kund and Tulsi Kund. Shrines and idols of Amba Mata, Kalka Mata, Ganesh, Lakulisa, Pataleshwar Mahadev, Arbuda Mata, Rathasan Devi, Vindhyavasini Devi, Ganga, Saraswathi and Yamuna can be seen in the temple premises. The temple complex has 108 shrines representing the 108 beads of the rudraksha necklace of Sadhus.

There is a unique shrine called Nathon ka Mandir in the temple premises. Poojas or ceremonies were never performed in this shrine. Sas-Bahu Marble Temple and Abhudji Jain Temple are some of the notable temples situated within the temple complex. There is an inscription on the southern wall of the temple. It records the installation of the idol by Maharana Raimal (1473-1509) of Mewar Kingdom. There is a large lake named Indra Sagar situated near this temple. There are several ancient temples of Ganesh, Lakshmi and Bhairava can be seen on the shore of this lake.