The Famous Lord Shiva Temple of Eklingji Near City of Udaipur in Rajasthan State of India

The State of Rajasthan in India is full of historical forts, temples, lakes, gardens, and royal palaces. The tourists have many options to visit such most enchanting places while on their tour to Rajasthan. The temple of Eklingji is one such famous historical spot of Rajput times, situated near the city of Udaipur. There is a lot of historical importance of this ancient temple of Lord Shiva.

We can easily reach this famous temple by road either from Udaipur or Ahmedabad. There are regular buses plying from both these destinations as well as from all large cities of Rajasthan. However, generally such buses are running overcrowded and the better option to reach this Eklingji temple is by hired car or taxi, which is easily available from all cities of Rajasthan and Gujarat. This temple is situated at around 60 miles from Udaipur and 90 miles from Ahmedabad. This temple is said to be around 2000 years old. All the Rajput kings starting from King Udaising, who constructed this temple in twelfth century, have been regularly visiting this temple to pray. This temple was having its full glory during the 12^th century to 18^th century. The statue/lingam of Lord Shiva here is having four faces. This is the most unique feature of this temple. The famous Rajput king Maharana Pratap was the most frequent visitor of this temple. He declared his war against the Mogul kings from this temple only. He was residing amongst the thick forest surrounding to this historical temple. This Lord Shiva is considered the Kuldevta of the Sisodia Rajputs, ruling the state of Mevad at that time. Even today, the temple appears to be gorgeous and royal due to its spacious layout, and the most beautiful scenarios near and around this temple. The regular morning and evening arti rituals are really worth attending.

There is a small hotel here in which all the visitors can stay for a night halt if they wish. The reasonably clean and neat rooms are available here at the nominal rates of around Rs.300 per day. Though, there are very limited facilities available at this hotel, the standard Rajasthani food items are available here, mostly in vegetarian varieties. There is a famous lake, named as Indrasagar located near to this temple. There are many temples also located at the shore of this lake. The boating facilities are also available in this lake during the peak season of early winter months from October to December. Small dharmashala is available on this lake to stay. Though, it is not having all the basic facilities, the visitors who have special liking to staying at remote historical places, would perhaps love to stay here for a night. The temple gates are closed from 7 pm to 7 am everyday. It is better to visit this temple during the winter months of October to March as summer months are extremely hot and there can be also an acute water shortage in this area. The availability of food varieties is also limited and the food items served here are very spicy. So, make sure to mention your requirement on spices in advance. The tourists can also visit the other famous sight seeing spots like kankroli, kesariaji, and Shreenathji with this Eklingji temple on their way to Udaipur from Ahmedbad. Each of these places has beauty of its own and has significant historical importance.

If you are fond of history of India, particularly of Rajput kingdom, I am sure you will have a good time while visiting this beautiful and historical temple of Lord Shiva.