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Eklingji
Temples play a social and spiritual task in enlightening mankind. It acts as a virtual intermediary between the living and the divine supreme. Most of the Indian temples have been built under royal patronage. A very fine representation of ancient architecture can be seen in Eklingji & Nagda Temples, Udaipur.
LOCATION - 22km (14 miles) north of Udaipur
EKLINGJI TIMINGS - daily 4:15-6:45am, 10:30am-1:30pm, and 5:15-7:45pm. PRAYER TIMES: 15-min. ARTIS are performed at 5:30am, 8:15am, 9:15am, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm; a 45-min. arti is performed at 11:30am
HISTORICAL REFERENCE
Eklingji is 22 kms from Udaipur and is well known for its 108 temples. It serves as an abode to Lord Shiva. Enclosed by high walls, it is devoted to Eklingji (A form of Shiv Deity adored under the epithet of EKLINGA). The enchanting marble complex houses 108 temples, the first of which was built in A.D. 734 by Bappa Rawal, legendary founder of the Sisodia clan, who ruled the Mewar kingdom for hundreds of years. Its present form dates from the rule of Maharana Raimal, between 1473 and 1509. The village is also known as Kailashpuri - the abode of Shiva. The Shiva Temple is the center of attraction during the Maha Shivaratri Festival when hundreds of Hindus walk the 22 km from Udaipur on pilgrimage.
Nagda lies 2km north and is the site of the ancient capital of Mewar, which dates back to A.D. 626. It still manages to contain the ruins of the Saas Bahu, a 10th-century Vaishnavite twin temple (Saas meaning "mother-in-law" and Bahu "daughter-in-law") and the remains of Adbhutji Temple. The temple has been badly worn out and attracts people of archaeological interest.
ARCHITECTURAL SEMANTICS
The four-faced black lingam (phallic symbol) apparently marks the spot where Bappa Rawal was given the title Darwan ("servant") of Eklingji by his guru. There are erotic carvings from the Kama Sutra. The chief temple is built of granite and marble. The walled complex encages detailed pillared hall and huge pyramidal roof composed of hundreds of knots with splendid carvings and studded with colored stones. Another prominent temple in this complex is the Lakulish temple dating back to 971 A.D. At the entrance of the main temple resides a huge Nandi.
Nagda gives a total look of lost and forgotten place. The Hindu temple complex is now being restored. It has been ignored for decades and exudes a forlorn, lonesome aura. The whole atmosphere transpires spirituality and gives the message to stand high and powerful in all adversities.
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