Ekling Garh, Udaipur

Ekling Garh, also known as Eklingji Temple, is an ancient Hindu temple complex located about 22 kilometers north of Udaipur in Rajasthan, in the village of Kailashpuri near the former capital of Mewar. It dates back to the 8th century when it was originally built by Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Mewar dynasty, who considered Eklingji (Lord Shiva) as the ruling deity of Mewar.

The temple complex spans about 2,500 square meters and contains 108 temples within fortified walls. The temple is notable for its magnificent architecture, featuring a double-storied structure with a colossal pyramidal-style roof, intricately carved towers, and walls that are connected with stairs descending into water tanks used for ritual purposes.

At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a silver image of Nandi, the sacred bull and gate guardian of Shiva’s abode, and inside the main sanctum rests the four-faced idol of Shiva, revered as Eklingji. Throughout its history, the temple has faced destruction during invasions by Delhi Sultanate rulers, but it was rebuilt and renovated multiple times by various rulers of the Mewar kingdom, notably by Rana Kumbha and Maharana Raimal in the 14th and 15th centuries.

The temple originally belonged to the Pashupata sect, later came under the Nath sect, and since the 16th century has been managed by the Ramanandi sect. Eklingji Temple holds immense religious and cultural significance as the spiritual heart of the Mewar region, with the Maharana of Mewar traditionally ruling as the Dewan, or minister, under the divine sovereignty of Eklingji.

It also features nearby ponds known as Indra Sarovar and Baghela Talab, adding to the temple’s serene environment. The complex is both a pilgrimage site and a heritage monument, attracting devotees and visitors interested in its deep historical roots, architectural beauty, and spiritual importance in Rajasthan.