Are you aware of an eighth century temple situated in Rajasthan which is beautiful accommodating 108 temples in its vicinity?
Located in the Kailashpuri district of Udaipur, this temple was built by the Maharanas of Mewar as these warriors were ardent devotees of Shri Ekling ji.
The temple is a huge complex famous for its excellent architecture. Built by Bappa Rawal in 734AD who ruled the Mewar Empire, the temple is said to have founded by one of the contemporaries of Shankaracharya, Acharya Vishavvaparma. This temple is closely linked to the Sharda monastery in Dwarka which was established by Shankaracharya.
As the exterior of temples stretches with walls and stairs directly descending in the water, the entrance of the temple greets you with silver image of Shiva’s Nandi (bull).
In fact, the temple has two carvings of Nandi made of brass and black stone in the temple.
The beautiful four-faced idol of Lord Shiva or Eklingji is situated in the main temple which is placed on a towering pillared hall called a mandap.
With its 50 feet height, the idol reflects a distinguished beauty depicting four different forms of Lord Shiva. While its eastern side recognises Surya (sun), its western side stands for Lord Brahma creator), its northern side stands for Lord Vishu(the supreme being), and its southern side is Rudra (the mightiest of the mighty).
The Eklinga statue is encircled with the figures of Goddess Parvati (Wife of Shiva), Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikay (sons of Shiva).