The Legend of Ekling Ji of Mewar

Eklingji is the ruling deity of Mewar, Princely State and the Maharana rules as his Dewan.

According to the 15th century text Ekalinga Mahatmya, the original temple at Eklingji was constructed by the 8th century ruler Bappa Rawal. The original temple and Vigraha (idol) were destroyed during invasions by the Delhi Sultanate rulers. The earliest extant idol was installed by Hamir Singh (14th century), who also carried out extensive renovations to the main temple. Rana Kumbha (15th century) rebuilt the temple, in addition to constructing a Vishnu temple. His 1460 inscription describes him as "the personal servant of Ekling".

In the late 15th century, Ghiyath Shah of Malwa Sultanate attacked Mewar, and devastated Eklingji. Kumbha's son Rana Raimal (1473–1509) defeated and captured him, and obtained a ransom for his release. With this ransom, Raimal patronized the last major rebuilding of the temple complex, and installed the present Linga at the main temple. This is Linga is a five headed one. The west ward face is that of Lord Brahma. Northward is that of Lord Vishnu, Eastward is of Lord Surya the Sun god, southward is face of Rudra and the upraised top is Shiva lingam, which is an embodiment of Sadashiva with Devi Amba as his consort.

The Glorious narrative of Shri Eklingji tells us that Shri Eklingaji has been in existence since Sat yuga. In that age Indra , the King of Goddess Nandini worshiped Eklingaji. In the Treta age, the  Kamdhenu came running to Shri Eklingji as she was afraid of Vishwamitra. She Prayed to Eklingji and the armies of Vishwamitra were defeated to the delight of Guru Vashistha. In the Dwapar age when Janamejaya performed the sacrifice of snakes, the Takshaka serpent was mortally afraid and he came to the shoulder. This Place is spiritual capital of Mewar. Perhaps in the world history, this is a rare example that the ultimate power of rule was vested with the powerful God Shiva. The Maharanas of Udaipur have ruled as a representative of Shri Eklingji. Presently the royal family has established a private trust known as Eklingji trust Shivaratri is the main festival on which thousands of devotees come here for Darshan. During the year every Monday this temlpe is croweded with devotees of Lord Shiva. The main festivals other than Shirvaratri are Pradosh, Makar Sankaranti etc. During the months of Vaishakh & Shravan special manooraths are performed here.

Originally, the temple likely belonged to the Pashupata sect, and was subsequently in the custody of the Nath sect. In the 16th century, it came under the control of the Ramanandis. The early history of the temple is found in a 15th century Sanskrit text known as Eklinga Mahatmya,

As per the 15^th Century text by Poet Kanha Vyas named as Ekling Mahataya & under the patronage of Maharana Kumbha of Mewar, Bappa Rawal was a Guihlot Prince in exile (08^th Century AD) who was living the life of a Shepherd with his mother since his childhood after his father Nagaditya, who was tyrant ruler was killed in a rebellion at the hands of the tribal Bheel’s & other clans who had joined hands to eliminate Nagaditya.

As they say that when the divinity strikes then none in this world can beat it’s wishes. Bappa Rawal’s mother had escaped with his son & lead the life of an ordinary village women with his son to avoid being detected by the rebels. But as destiny had it Bappa Rawal grew up into a fine man, with extraordinary physical strength & broad shoulders, with an in born leadership qualities which didn’t get unnoticed whenever he came forward. So much so that he was the defacto leader widely accepted by his mates from his teenage days.

His fortune’s changed one day, while he was returning with his cattle stock through the jungles of Aravalli, that he met a saint by the name of Harit Rashi, who blessed him with a divine bow & sword & asked him to set up his army & kingdom. At the same time during this conversation Bappa Rawal noticed that one of his cows discharging milk on a mound, which the Sage asked him to dig out. This lingam was of Sri Ekling Ji. Sage Harit Rashi became his spiritual Guru & initiated him to the Shaivaite Order. With the blessings of the Sage & powered by the Divine weapons Bappa Rawal captured a small fortification in 734CE  by the name of Chitrakoota from the local Maurya Rulers.

Subsequently Chitrakoota Fort was later on developed & extended heavily by his descendants Hambhir & his sons & came to be known as the modern day Chittorgarh. It’s believed that Bappa Rawal built the first Ekling JI Temple at the very place where it stands today & where he had met Sage Harit Rashi & Bappa Rawal’s cow had discharged on top of the Lingam. Harit Rashi also declared Bappa Rawal as the Regent or Dewan of Ekling Ji & introduced the order of Dewan of Eklingji. Thus Ekling Ji temple being one of key shrines of Pashupati sect of Shaivism. This tradition is still being carried on by the 76^th Rana of Mewar till date & Pooja & offerings are being done as per tradition set by Sage Harit Rashi till date the Royal Family of Mewar. Tourists visiting Udaipur, must pay a visit to this 15^th Century Shrine which is an epitome of Nagara style of Architecture & well persevered by ASI. As you stand in front of that fierce looking Shiva Lingam during the Arati , which is also attended by the princely family members of Mewar will definitely give you goosebumps. It’s a place worth visiting in all respect. The Temple is very grand and magnificent in conception and perfect in execution. The 50 ft. high Shikhar of the temple has a circumference of 60 ft. The sanctum sanctorum has four doors in all the four directions and the door steps are jutted with gems. On each gate there is Nandi (bull) statue facing the idol.

It has been said above that Shri Ekling Ji is the god of the Maharanas. This temple belongs to the Maharanas and it is not a public temple. Over the centuries, the pooja of this temple is performed in a royal way and no change is possible. According to this , only the Maharana of Mewar land can perform the Pooja of Shri Ekling ji. Daily Pooja, however, is performed by the Pujaries appointed by the Maharanas.  Even these Pujaries first make a voluntary declaration that they are performing the Pooja in the name of Maharana and at the end of the Pooja, the Pujari receives the deities Aashirwad for the Maharana. The Maharana manages all the expenses of the temple.

Morning Time:

4.30 am to 7.00 am and 10.30 am to 1.30 pm

Evening Time:

5.00 pm to 7.30 pm