"The saviour of Mewar – Lord Eklingji
The temples in India speaks volume about the historical events , culture and beliefs of people, they are not just a sacred space but cultural and social centers as well .The article delves into the rich history and origin of Eklingji who is considered as the integral part of the Mewar kingdom’s Heritage. The study explores the historical background of the temple by examining the literary and archaeological evidences and provides a valuable insight into history and culture making it a essential read for the Indian heritage enthusiast .

Eklingji, the king of Mewar, is revered as the true monarch of the state, known as Lord Eklingji. The title of Raja is associated with this deity, while the rulers are called Maharaja and serve as the Diwan of the state. The term “Eklingji” originated from two Sanskrit words: “Ek,” which signifies the oneness and unification of different forms of God, reflecting the deity’s power, and “Linga,” meaning phallic symbol, representing progeny, procreation, and fertility. Eklingji is considered the family deity of the Mewar royal lineage, who ruled the kingdom. The temple serves as a site for ancestral worship, hosting royal rituals and maintaining tributes to the lord.

The history of Mewar is closely linked to the construction of the remarkable Eklingji Temple, which holds significant cultural and spiritual value. This temple is located in the Aravalli Valley, about fourteen miles north of Udaipur, in an area known as Kailashpuri. It is believed to be the earliest region within the Maru region where the Guhilot dynasty established control. Various legends surround the origin of Eklingji, represented by the four-faced linga. The Eklingji Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme power of the universe, and it is regarded as one of the earliest and most important examples of Shiva worship in the form of a linga. The four-faced idol, made of black marble, is enshrined at the center of the temple within the Garbha Griha. In the 6th century, the Scythians, a powerful Asian tribe, invaded India and conquered several parts of the northwestern region. During their conquest, they attacked the family of the Maitraka king Shiladitya, who ruled from Ballabhipura and was ultimately killed. The only survivor of this attack was Queen Pushpavati, who was not in the city at the time, as she was on a pilgrimage to pray for the well-being ofher unborn child..The child was named Guhil, meaning “the cave-born.” He spent his childhood with other children of the Bhil tribe in the forest. Eventually, Guhil became the next king of the Bhil tribe and was granted a large tract of land from the forest as the tribe’s chief. The ceremony of applying the vermilion “tikka” on the king’s forehead has been a common practice in Mewar for the past fourteen years.

Bappa Rawal spent his childhood with the tribal who resided in Aravalli mountains. He possessed the quality of a great leader, as his attire seemed like that of a Brahmin and his appearance like that of a royal clan. All the children of his age followed Bappa’s orders whenever any disagreement took place between them. He was a dispute settler, and all the children were fond of his generous behavior and respected his decisions.

Vashistha Rawal in the custody of whom Bappa was nurtured allotted him the duty of grazing cows, Bappa enjoyed the work given to him and fulfilled responsibility judiciously. In the morning after having breakfast, he went to the pasture with the cows taking in hand a small pot of food in the late evening he came back with the cows.

In Tretayug, Nandini, the daughter of Kamdhenu, the celestial cow, came here to seek protection from sage Vishwamitra and overcome the forces of the rishi by the grace of lord shiva, so pleased her master Vashistha, that he shielded her from the Rishi’s wrath. It is said that the famous Sarp Yajna of Mahabharata was performed here"

Ankur soni

"Eklingji Temple near Udaipur is a sacred and serene place dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Ekling Mahadev. The temple’s architecture is stunning, with intricate carvings and a peaceful atmosphere that instantly fills you with devotion. The divine presence is deeply felt here, especially during the aarti. The temple complex is well-maintained, and the surroundings are clean. Photography is restricted inside, which helps preserve the sanctity. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking spiritual peace and a glimpse into Rajasthan’s rich religious heritage. Har Har Mahadev!"

Jitendra Menariya

"This is a very beautiful religious place to visit around Udaipur. It is about 22 km away from Udaipur. It was built by Bappa Rawal in 734 AD. The temple is famous all over India due to a four-faced idol and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Eklingji temple has been the deity of Mewar rulers. There is a group of many small temples along with the main temple in the temple complex. People who offer flower garlands also sit in the complex. Sitting there gives ultimate peace. There is a beautiful lake nearby. In which lotus flowers are grown. There are chhatris of the historical temple and the wall of the rampart nearby. Sitting there, one can see the beautiful view of the beautiful hills etc. Keep one thing in mind before coming to Eklingji temple. The darshan starts here after 5:30 pm. You cannot carry leather belts and any leather items, shoes etc., mobiles, so keep them in your own safe places beforehand. Enjoy tea and Mirchi Bada outside Eklingji Temple and make the trip delicious."

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