Eklingji - The Guardian Deity of Mewar
Eklingji is located about twelve miles to the North of Udaipur in
Rajasthan, India. Eklingji or Shiva, whose temple is located here, is said
to be the guardian deity of Mewar.
This deity was revered as the virtual ruler, by the Maharajas of Mewar -
who considered themselves to be regents or Dewans under Eklingji. Ekligji or
Kailashpuri is a town based in a beautiful valley and it attracts large
number of visitors throughout the year.
The
Structure
The existing structure of the temple, is one built out of the ruins of a
previously destroyed structure, dating back to the 15th century. The
architecture of the temple is parallel to the Jain temples of Gujarat. Shiva
is worshipped here as a four faced black marble image, the four faces
representing Bhrama facing west, Vishnu facing North, Maheshwar facing South
and Surya (Sun) facing the east. The flat top of the composite idol is
covered with a Yantra, a mystic symbolic drawing, standing for the ultimate
reality. Shiva here is worshipped as the Ultimate Reality, the supreme
power, and the wholesome one - Parabhrama.
The temple occupies an area of about 2500 sq. feet and is about 65 feet in
height. A strong wall runs around it. The main entrance to the temple on the
Western side welcomes visitors into a big hall resting on completely carved
pillars. The hall has a silver image of Nandi. There are two more Nandis in
the temple, one made of black stone and the other of brass.
Foundation of the Temple
The temple is said to have been founded by Acharya Viswaroopa a
contemporary of Adi Sankaracharya and is linked with the Sharada Math at
Dwaraka founded again by Adi Sankaracharya.
Other Deities in the Temple
Other deities housed in the temple complex include Parvati, Ganesh, Ganga,
Kartikeya, Yamuna and Saraswathi. There are also small temples dedicated to
Ambamata, Kalka Mata and Ganesh in the temple complex.
Other
Attractions in the Temple Complex
There are two tanks situated on the Northern side of the temple - Karz Kund
and Tulsi Kund. Water from these tanks is utilized for temple services.
Temple services are performed in a very elaborate manner in the Vedic and
Tantric styles - everyday beginning at 4 in the morning. Shivratri is an
important religious event, when the image of the deity is decked with
jewellery.
Other Temples in the Town
The town of Eklingji is dotted with temples. There are about 70 temples in
all. Some of them are - the Sas-Bahu marble temple, dating back to the 11th
century. It is a fine specimen of ancient art with elaborate sculptures. The
Adbhudji Jain temple is of black marble and it dates back to the 15th
century. Other temples in Kailashpuri include those of Pataleshwar Mahadeo,
Arbada Mata, Rathasan Devi, Vindhyavasini Devi.
