Eklingji Temple
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Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Eklingji Temple at Udaipur in Rajasthan resembles the Jain temples of Gujarat.
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The Eklingji Temple is located in the beautiful city of Udaipur in Rajasthan. Eklingji is referred to Lord Shiva and is considered as the guardian deity of Mewar. The Maharajas of Mewar regarded this deity as the virtual ruler. Dating back to the 15th century CE, the present structure is one that is built of the ruins of a previously destroyed structure. The architecture is same as that of the Jain temples of Gujarat Shiva. It is worshipped here as a four faced black marble image. The four faces represents Brahma (West), Vishnu (North), Maheshwar (South) and Surya (East). A mystic symbolic drawing, known as 'Yantra', covers the flat top of the composite idol. Shiva is worshipped here as the Ultimate Reality.
As found in the history, Acharya Viswaroopa, a contemporary of Adi Shankaracharya, founded this temple. The temple covers an area of 25000 square feet and is about 65feet high. The main entrance of the temple is in the western side and it welcomes visitors into a big hall resting on profusely carved pillars. A silver image of Nandi can be seen in this hall. There are also two more Nandis in the temple, made of black stone and brass. The temple also houses several other deities including Parvati, Ganesh,Ganga, Kartikeya, Yamuna and Saraswathi. In addition to these, there are also small temples dedicated to Ambamata, Kalka Mata and Ganesh in the temple complex. Another enchanting temple in the temple complex embodying inscriptions dating back to the 10th century CE is the Nathon Ka Mandir. No worships are offered here.
Two tanks, namely, Karz Kund and Tulsi Kund are situated on the Northern side of the temple. Temple services are conducted with the water of these tanks. Temple services are performed in a very lengthy manner in the Vedic and Tantric styles. The important event of this temple is the 'Shivaratri'.
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