EKLINGJI TEMPLE

Eklingji is a god assimilated to Shiva and it is he who presides over the destiny of the Mewar. That is why the ruling authority over the region is a maharana (prince) and not a maharaja (king). A complex of 108 temples was built in his honour by the Guhila dynasty of Mewar (later called Sisodia). The first temple was erected in 734 by Bappa Rawal, but was razed to the ground during the Mohammedan invasions. The development of the site and the construction of the sanctuaries really started in the 15th century. It's hard to guess what's behind the high walls of the compound. But once inside, the amazement is real: 107 sanctuaries in perfect condition and dedicated to the different manifestations of Eklingji are next to each other and surround the main temple. The latter was rebuilt in the 15th century in marble and granite, on two floors. The mandap (columned interior hall) supports the shikhara (oblong turret that caps the sanctuary), the highest in the complex. In front of the temple, facing him, stands a solid silver Nandi. The shrine contains a very rare four-sided black marble Shiva idol representing Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwar and Surya. The inner walls of the temple as well as the doors are veneered with solid silver panels engraved with representations of various Hindu gods and their attributes. See if you can find Ganesh, the elephant god with the mouse, his vehicle. In front of Shiva's idol stands Nandi, the bull. Legend has it that whoever whispers his wish in the ear of this stone Nandi will see it come true. Every Monday, Shiva day, the royal family of Udaipur goes to the temple. Because of their regular presence, the temple is guarded by the army. It is forbidden to enter with a bag or a camera. Padlocked lockers are available for visitors to leave their belongings. Of course, you have to take your shoes off.

The Lakulish Temple, one of the 107 sanctuaries, was built in 971. It is the only temple in Rajasthan dedicated to this deity, the 28th incarnation of Shiva and contemporary of Vyasa and Krishna.

The ruins of the Nagda Temple are located nearby along a lake lined with lotus flowers. Nagda was the capital of the Mewar from 1213 to 1253. A group of temples dating from the 7th century were built on the shores of the lake, before being either destroyed by the Moguls or submerged by the rising waters. Two temples dating from the 10th century dedicated to Vishnu remain today.