Eklingji Temple

Lord Eklingnath (Shiva)

Kailashpuri, near Udaipur, Rajasthan

Folktale & Sacred Story

Tradition holds that Bappa Rawal, the 8th-century founder of the Guhilot/Mewar dynasty, was initiated into Shaivite worship by the sage Harit Rashi and, in devotion, symbolically placed his entire kingdom at the feet of Eklingji (Shiva). From that point on, every Maharana of Mewar -- down to 1947 -- ruled not as sovereign but as regent on behalf of Eklingji, regarded as the true ruling deity (Kuldevta) of the state. The present structure was largely rebuilt across later centuries, notably by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century, after earlier shrines were damaged in medieval invasions.

Most Revered Practice

The temple performs a dense schedule of aartis through the day before the black-marble, four-faced murti in the inner sanctum, whose four faces are understood to represent Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra and Surya as a single composite form. Historically, the Maharana of Udaipur or his representative maintained a ceremonial role in the temple's worship, reflecting the deity's status as Mewar's ruling god.

Prasadam & Offerings

Vegetarian sattvic meals, prepared without onion or garlic, are offered as bhog to the deity and then distributed to devotees as prasad.

Temple Speciality

The temple's rare four-faced (chaturmukh) black marble Shiva image anchors a large walled complex said to contain over a hundred subsidiary shrines. Its unusual status as the still-recognised 'ruling deity' of the former princely state of Mewar, with the region's kings historically styled as its regents, is a distinctive piece of Indian temple history.

Why Pilgrims Visit

Devotees come to seek blessings from Mewar's royal Kuldevta and to visit the temple most closely tied to the Guhilot/Sisodia dynasty's history, including figures like Maharana Pratap. The complex is often combined with visits to the nearby ancient Nagda and Sas-Bahu temples.

History & Legend

Founded around the 8th century and rebuilt over centuries, this temple complex has been the tutelary shrine of the Mewar royal dynasty for over a thousand years, with Maharanas traditionally ruling as regents of the deity.

Divine Significance

A striking four-faced black marble Shiva idol anchors the sanctum; the site remains deeply tied to Mewar's royal and cultural identity.

Darshan Timings

The temple is generally open in three windows, roughly 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., closed to the public in between (please confirm exact timings with the temple before visiting, as they vary by season and festival).

How To Reach

Nearest airport and railway station: Udaipur (~22 km).

Where To Stay

Udaipur city offers extensive hotel options a short drive away.

Local Food Nearby

The Kailashpuri-Eklingji stretch on the Udaipur-Nathdwara highway has numerous pure-vegetarian dhabas serving Rajasthani thalis and dal baati churma popular with pilgrims travelling between Udaipur and Nathdwara.

Contact & Official Info

Contact Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation.

Location Map

View on Google Maps → (24.745956, 73.722238)