About Eklingji Temple
The Eklingji Temple stands in the village of Kailashpuri in Udaipur district, in a valley of the Aravalli hills north of Udaipur and close to Nagda, the old capital of Mewar. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Ekling ji, and for centuries he was regarded as the true ruler of the Mewar kingdom. The Maharanas of Mewar described themselves as his Dewan, or minister, governing on his behalf. Because of this bond the temple holds a special place in the history and identity of the region, and it remains a busy place of worship for local families as well as visitors travelling between Udaipur and Nathdwara.
The fifteenth-century text Ekalinga Mahatmya credits Bappa Rawal, the eighth-century founder of the Mewar line, with building the first temple here. The original shrine and its image were destroyed during the invasions of the Delhi Sultanate. Hamir Singh in the fourteenth century installed a new image and renovated the main temple, and Rana Kumbha in the fifteenth century rebuilt it again, adding a Vishnu temple; an inscription of 1460 calls him the servant of Ekling. Later in that century the temple was badly damaged in an attack by Ghiyath Shah of Malwa. Rana Raimal captured him, used the ransom to fund the last great rebuilding, and installed the present image.
The complex is a walled enclosure containing many shrines; it is traditionally said to hold 108 temples. The main temple, built in the North Indian style with a tall spire, rises above a pillared hall and is surrounded by smaller shrines to Shiva and other deities. Its history spans several Shaiva traditions, from the Pashupatas to the Naths, and it later came under the care of Ramanandi ascetics. Visitors enter through a gateway from the village street and find a busy courtyard of carved stone, bells and lamps, with the hills rising behind the walls.
Eklingji Temple timings & aarti
Usually open in the morning and again in the late afternoon and evening, with a break around midday. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Eklingji Temple
By air
Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur, is the nearest airport.
By train
Udaipur railway station is the nearest railhead, about 22 km away.
By road
Kailashpuri is on the Udaipur-Nathdwara road, about 22 km north of Udaipur; buses, taxis and autos run from the city.
Festivals at Eklingji Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Eklingji PatotsavCheck locally
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is advised. Photography is usually not allowed inside; check locally.
- Entry
- Free.
- Combine Eklingji with the Sas-Bahu temples at Nagda and the Shrinathji temple at Nathdwara on a day trip from Udaipur.
- Check the midday closing time before you set out.
- Leave cameras and phones in your vehicle if photography is not permitted.
- Mondays and Shivaratri are especially busy.
Places to visit near Eklingji Temple
- Nagda and the Sas-Bahu templesOld Mewar capital with carved temples, about 2.5 km away
- Shrinathji Temple, NathdwaraChief Pushtimarg Krishna shrine, further north on the same road
- UdaipurCity of lakes and palaces, about 22 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is Eklingji important to Mewar?
Ekling ji, a form of Shiva, was considered the real ruler of Mewar, and the Maharanas governed as his Dewan.
How far is Eklingji from Udaipur?
It is about 22 km north of Udaipur on the road to Nathdwara.
Who built the Eklingji Temple?
Tradition credits Bappa Rawal in the 8th century; the temple was later rebuilt by Hamir Singh, Rana Kumbha and Rana Raimal.
What are the Eklingji temple timings?
It is usually open in the morning and evening with a midday break. Times may vary; check locally.
What is the aarti time at Eklingji Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Eklingji Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is advised. Photography is usually not allowed inside; check locally.
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