Eklingji,
the city dotted with temples, is located about twelve miles to the
North of Udaipur in Rajasthan. 22 kms from Udaipur,
Eklingji is a
complex of 108 ancient temples, incised out of sandstone and
marble. The temple, built in AD 734, to propagate the blessings of Lord
Shiva, worshipped as the Ultimate Reality, the supreme power, and the
wholesome one - Parabhrama, is venerated by the Mewar household. The temples
of Eklingji located here, are exquisitely carved and dedicated to Lord
Shiva, guardian deity of Mewar. This deity was regarded as the virtual
ruler, by the Maharajas of Mewar - who considered themselves to be regents
(Dewans) under Eklingji.
Ekligji (Kailashpuri) is a town situated
in a beautiful valley, attracting plentitude of visitors throughout the
year. It is a complex with a flight of steps leading to the 'kund'. It has
an ornate 'mandap' or pillared hall with the canopy of a huge pyramidical
roof composed of hundreds of knots.
The temple occupies
an area of about 2500 sq. feet and is about 65 feet in height. The
temple area is fortified with a strong wall running around it. The main
entrance to the temple on the western side welcomes visitors into a big hall
resting on lavishly carved pillars. In this hall, is a silver image of
Nandi. There are two more Nandis in the temple, one made of black stone and
the other of brass.
Dating back to the 15th century AD, the
existing structure is built out of the ruins of a previously destroyed
structure. The sanctum sanctorum has a four-faced image of Shiva,
representing Brahma 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.
This temple is said to have been founded by
Acharya Viswaroop, a contemporary of Adi Shankaracharya and is
linked with the Sharada Math at Dwaraka, which was also founded by Adi
Shankaracharya. Other deities housed in the temple complex include Parvati,
Ganesha, Ganga, Kartikeya, Yamuna and Saraswati. There are also small
temples dedicated to Amba Mata, Kalka Mata and Ganesh in the temple complex.
There is another temple called Nathon Ka Mandir in the temple complex with
inscriptions dating back to the 10th century AD. No worship is offered here.
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. There
are about 70 temples in all. Mention must be made of the Sas-Bahu Marble
Temple, dating back to the 11th century. It is a fine specimen of ancient
art with sculptural details. The Adbhudji Jain Temple is of black marble and
it dates back to the 15th century AD.
| » Major
Attractions of Udaipur |
City
Palace : City Palace, the majestic white royal building towers
itself on a hill and is surrounded by crenellated walls. The palace was
completed in its present form by the contribution of many rulers. Originally
started by Udai Singh, the later additions were so carefully planned and
integrated with the original building that it becomes difficult to believe
that the building was not conceived as a whole. The city palace stands along
the shores of Lake Pichola.
Jaisamand Lake : 48
kms from the city, this artificial lake was built in 17th century by
Maharana Jai Singh. The marble 'Chhatris' along the embankment add grace to
this second largest lake in Asia. On either sides of the lake were built the
palaces for the favourite queens of the King. People of the Bhil tribe still
inhabit the islands in Jaisamand lake.
Lake
Palace : The Lake Palace hotel amazes and delights you at every
turn. Every inch of it is made of pure white marble, slender carved columns,
fountains, filigreed screens and swimming pool, created for the private
frolics of a princess. It is the early morning musical cacophony of birds
and white masses of bougainvillea drooping over a rippling lily-pond that
attracts the tourist.
Saheliyon ki Bari : The "garden
of the maids of honour", Sahelion-ki-Bari was designed and laid out
early in the eighteenth century as a retreat for ladies of the royal
household to spend their time in comfort. The lotus pool, fountains, lawns,
flowerbeds and marble pavilions all combine to make it a captivating place.
Sajjangarh
: Commanding the skyline of Udaipur, on the distant mountain range, is
the "Monsoon Palace" of Sajjangarh which is visible from the city.
Deserted by the royal family soon after its construction in 1880 due to the
impossibility of pumping water to the palace, it offers an unrivalled view
of the city's lakes, palaces and the surrounding countryside.
Mewar
Festival : The Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent
of spring. It coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur and has a
unique charm about it. It is time for cultural events where Rajasthani
culture is portrayed through songs, dances and other programmes. The
festival culminates with an impressive fireworks display
| » Places to
Stay in Udaipur |
Udaipur has accommodation options available for all categories
of tourists. The best options, if one does have enough money to spend, are
the heritage hotels, which are grand, royal, and bring alive the bygone
eras.
The lakes surrounding Udaipur regulates the climate, which is
pleasant than in any other city in Rajasthan. The summers are hot and
winters are cold but the temperature does not rise to extremes. The rainfall
is less, around 61 cms annually.
Shopping can be a pleasure at the Hathipole, Chetak Circle,
Clock Tower, Palace Road and Bapu Bazaar. Rajasthan Government also has its
own Handicraft emporium. The shops of Udaipur have plenty of exquisite items
to offer. The dainty folk toys, brightly coloured garments, hand printed
textiles, batiks, and tie & dye sarees and fabrics to name few.
'Pichwais' or wall hangings painted on cloth are world renowned for their
vivid colours and themes. The craftsmanship is at its peak in the metal
images and chunky silver jewellery.
Air : The City of Lakes is well connected
by air services. The Dabok Airport is 21 kms from the city centre.
Rail : Railway has trains from all over the country
to destination Udaipur. The Palace On Wheels covers this magnificent city
during its eight day package tour.
Road : There
are bus services from tourist places in Rajasthan , Gujarat and Delhi.
