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Eklingji Temple, Eklingji Temple Udaipur, Eklingji Temple Tours, History of Eklingji Temple

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Main Shiv Sites - Ek Ling Ji(Udaipur) - Introduction

Introduction

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Introduction: 
   
The famous pilgrimage of Eklingji is situated in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan. It is also known as Kailashpuri and is the foremost of the 4 pilgrimage sites of Mewad.
    
Eklingji is worshipped as the Parbrahma form of Shiv. He is considered as the true ruler of Mewad while the Sisodia Ranas of Mewad rule as his Diwans (ministers).
    
Eklingji Temple is situated in a huge complex escorted by high walls. It has 108 temples including those of Shiv, Parvati, Ganesh, Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati etc.
    
This place is situated 20 km to the north of Udaipur and 28 km to the south of renowned Vaishnav pilgrimage, Nathdwara. The initial construction was carried out by the founder of Mewad kingdom, Bappa Rawal.
   
The temple houses a 4-faced Shivling of which the east symbolises Surya (Sun), the west-Brahma, the north-Vishnu, and the south-Rudra. The influence on the architecture is clearly that of the Solanki style of Gujarat.

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Mythological Beliefs

Mythological Beliefs: 
   
Here Lord Shiv is worshipped in his Parbrahma form who is the creator, the maintainer and preserver, and the destroyer.
    
 The belief regarding the temple is that Bappa Rawal, on the advice of his spiritual guru, Harit Rishi, established it and declared Eklingji as the Lord to be worshipped by his successors.
    
It is believed that the Shakti of Ekling, Mata Ratneshwari, herself gave the sword of victory to Bappa Rawal for the establishment of the Mewad kingdom.
   
When Alauddin tried to destroy the temple of Eklingji, a huge swarm of honey bees from the temple, attacked and drove away his army.
   
Acharya Vishwaroop, the contemporary of Aadiguru Shankaracharya, helped Bappa Rawal in establishing the temple.
   
The Ranas and the people of Mewad believe that no invader could ever get a complete conquest over Mewad due to the blessings of Eklingji.
 

Historical Facts

History: 
   
According to the studies done by historians, this was a key Jain Pilgrimage and had a temple of lord Rishabhdev before it becomes a Hindu Pilgrimage.
   
The temple of Eklingji was established by Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Mewad kingdom, in 734 A.D. Acharya Vishwaroop, the contemporary of Aadiguru Shankaracharya, helped Bappa Rawal in his endeavour.
   
During the reign of Maharana Ratnasingh, Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, attacked the region in 1303 A.D. causing great damage to the temple.
   
The renovation of the temple in its true sense was done during the rule of Maharana Kumbha (1433-1468 A.D.). Kumbha’s architect, Madan, made a significant contribution and later went on to write a book on architecture.
   
During the time of Maharana Raimal (1473-1509 A.D.), a number of temples were built of which the Shiv temple is a prominent one. He also wrote an inscription on the temple wall which provides information on the history of Mewad.
   
A number of constructions took place during the reign of Maharana Sanga (1509-1529 A.D.). His daughter-in-law and renowned saint, Meerabai, built the Harihar Temple which is now known as the temple of Meerabai.
   
Raj Singh and Bhim Singh, the Maharanas of the 17th century, also gave equal attention to the development and maintenance of the temple.
 

Main Places To See

Main Places To See: 
   
Eklingji Temple:
 
It is believed that the temple is situated at the same spot where Harit Rishi gave Bappa Rawal the nectar of immortality. An amazing, 4-faced, black stone Shivling is housed in the temple made of white marble. At the entrance, facing the ling is a silver statue of Nandi. The temple walls have a 15th century inscription in the form of couplets that throw light on the history of Mewad.
    
Lakulish Temple:
 
He is considered as an incarnation of Shiv and the founder of the Pashupat sect. It is a huge temple with the Lakulish idol in a seated posture. The walls have statues of various Goddesses inscribed on them. The temple was built in 972 A.D.
    
Harihar Temple:
 
The famous poetess and saint, Meerabai built this temple in the 19th century, hence it is also known as the temple of Meerabai. It is worth noting that she was the daughter-in-law of Rana Sanga. The statue of Garuda (eagle) in the temple is very striking.
   
Indra Sagar:
 
It is a historical lake in the temple complex. Devotees bathe in it on religious occasions.
   
Nagda:
 
It is the ancient capital of Mewad and situated close to Eklingji. Beautiful pachchikari (mosaic or marble inlay work) can be seen on the stones of the Saas-bahu and Adbhutji Temples. Here, a number of Jain temples can also be seen.
   
Bappa Rawal ki Chhatri (cenotaph or memorial):
 
In the forest, at some distance from the temple, is situated the Chhatri of Bappa Rawal, the founder of Mewad. This memorial houses the statues of Bappa Rawal and Lord Vishnu. According to local folklore, Bappa Rawal belonged to the 80th generation of Lord Ram.
 

Main Festivals

Main Festivals: 
   
Mewad Mahotsav:
 
It is celebrated in Udaipur and nearby places during March-April. Since Eklingji is considered as the religious capital of the Ranas, a greater attraction can be seen here. The festival is particularly celebrated by women and children.
    
Mahashivratri:
 
This is the biggest festival for devotees of Shiv and is celebrated in January-February. Here too, it is celebrated with great fan-fare.
   
Shilpgram Fair:
 
It is held every year in November-December in Dakshin Hawala Village, about 20 km from Eklingji. On this occasion, Rajasthani culture and art gather at one place. Tourists can also buy pieces of art and craft.
 

Where To Stay

Where To Stay : 
   
Dharamshalas:
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Dharmshalas are available at both the places, Eklingji as well as Nagda.
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Good lodging facilities are available at Udaipur for tourists of Eklingji.
   
Hotels:
 
 Category  General
 Name  Saheli Palace Hotel
 Address  222/17, Saheli Marg, Udaipur, Rajasthan - 313 001
 Telephone  +91 - 294 - 2527814, 09314618479
 Fax  +91 - 294 - 2525209
 Email  mail@hotelsahelipalace.com
 Web Site  www.hotelsahelipalace.com
   
 
 Category  General
 Name  Baba Palace Hotel
 Address  155, After Jagdish Temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan - 313 001
 Telephone  +91 - 294 - 2427126
 Fax  +91 - 294 - 2418548
 Email  babapalace@hotmail.com
 Web Site  www.hotelbabapalace.com
   
 
 Category  General
 Name  Anjani Hotel
 Address  77, Gangaur Ghat Marg, Udaipur, Rajasthan - 313 001
 Telephone  +91 - 294 - 2421770, 09828141770
 Email  mail@anjanihotel.com
 Web Site  www.anjanihotel.com
   
 
 Category  Medium
 Name  Hotel Sarovar
 Address  Near Chandpol, Near Hanuman Ghat, Udaipur,
 Rajasthan - 313 001
 Telephone  +91 - 294 - 2432801
 Fax  +91 - 294 - 2431732
 Email  mailbox@hotelsarawar.com
 Web Site  www.hotelsarovar.com
   
 
 Category  Medium
 Name  Rajputana Resort
 Address  Hiran Magri, Sector No. 11, Near Math, Savina, Udaipur,  Rajasthan - 313 001
 Telephone  +91 - 294 - 2487388
 Fax  +91 - 294 - 2485902  
 Web Site  www.rajputanaresort.com
   
 
 Category  Medium
 Name  Swarup Vilas
 Address  6, Ambavgarh, Opp. Lake Swaroop Sagar, Udaipur,
 Rajasthan - 313 001
 Telephone  +91 - 294 - 2430240
 Fax  +91 - 294 - 2431959
 Email  mail@hotelswaroopvilas.com  
 Web Site  www.hotelswaroopvilas.com
   
 
 Category  High
 Name  Trident Hilton Udaipur
 Address  Haridasji ki Magri, Mulla Talab, Udaipur, Rajasthan - 313 001
 Telephone  +91 - 294 - 2432200
 Fax  +91 - 294 - 2432211
 Web Site  www.tridenthotels.com
   
 
 Category  High
 Name  Shiv Niwas Palace
 Address  City Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan - 313 001
 Telephone  +91 - 294 - 2528016
 Fax  +91 - 249 - 2528012
 Web Site  www.hrhindia.com
   
 
 Category  High
 Name  The Royal Retreat
 Address  Village: Hawala, Badi Hawala Road, Udaipur, Rajasthan
 Telephone  +91 - 294 - 5130415
 Fax  +91 - 294 - 2418931
 Web Site  www.royalretreatudaipur.com
 

Location/Climate

Location/Climate: 
 
Location
 
 Geographical  Location  Height  Above  Sea Level  Average Annual Rainfall
 Latitude  Longitude  600 metres  61 cm
 24.6˚ N  73.6˚ E
   
 
Temperature

Temperature is given in degrees Celsius.
 
 Month  Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr  May  Jun  Jul  Aug  Sep  Oct   Nov    Dec
 Maximum   29  30  39  37  36  31  28  27   29  31   30  28
 Minimum  12  13  17  20  22  22  22  21  21  17  14  12
   
 
Important Information
Eklingji is situated in the picturesque valley of the Aravali mountain range.
The ideal time for visiting Eklingji is October to mid-April.
 

 

General Information

General Information: 
 
 STD Code
 0294
 Puja Timings  4.15-6.15 a.m., 1.30-7.45 p.m.
 Police Assistance
  +91 - 294 - 2412693
 Ambulance/Hospital  Maharana Bhopal General Hospital
 Tel: +91 - 294 - 2528811 - 19
 Currency  Exchange  State Bank of India
 Udaipur City, Udaipur, Rajasthan - 313 001
 Tel: +91 - 294 - 2422197
 Bank of Baroda
 Tel: +91 - 294 - 2526895
 ATM Centre  ICICI Bank
 Maharana Pratap Airport,
 Udaipur - 313 022
 State Bank of India
 Hospital Road,
 Udaipur, Rajasthan
 Post Office
 Udaipur City Sub-office
 Pincode -313 001,  Girwa Taluka, Dist-Udaipur
 Tel: +91 - 294 - 2522957
 Tourist Office
  Tourist Reception Centre
 Tel: +91 - 294 - 2411535
   
 
Food
Udaipur, situated at a half-hour distance, is a good option for food lovers. Sunrise situated on Gangaur Ghat Road, Nataraj at Bapu Bazar, Shilpi near Shilpgram, and Lotus Café at Bhattiyani Chohta are ideal places for tourists.
 

 

Travel Planner

Address (Click on "A" to locate): 
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PDF File: 
application/pdf iconeklingji.pdf
Airports in the vicinity: 
Udaipur
Ajmer
Jaipur
Jodhpur
Kota
Railway: 
 Main Railway Stations  Station Code
 Abu Road  ABR
 Udaipur City  UDZ
 Chittaurgarh  COR
 Jodhpur  JU
 Jaipur  JP
 Ajmer  AII
Road Distance from Destinations: 
 Ek Lings Ji  Udaipur  20 km
 Ahemadabad  270 km
 Nathwdar  20 km
 Chittaugarh  58 km
 Ajmer  197 km
 Nathdwar

 

  Udaipur  42 km
 Ahemadabad  292 km
 Jodhpur  207 km
 Chittaugarh  97 km
 Ajmer  209 km
 Pushkar  Jaipur  151 km
 Bikaner  249 km
 Ajmer  11 km
 Udaipur  263 km
 Jodhpur  176 km

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