Sacred Heritage
Eklingji Temple
Kailashpuri, Rajasthan
State:Rajasthan
District:Kailashpuri
Quick Facts
Location
Kailashpuri
Presiding Deity
Lord Shiva (Eklingji)
Architecture
Local Style
Dynasty
Mewar Rulers
Timings
4:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily. The temple closes for a few hours in the afternoon.
Entry Fee
Free
Best Time
October to March offers pleasant weather. Maha Shivaratri (February-March) is the most spiritually significant time but is crowded. The early morning hours (6 AM to 9 AM) provide the best experience with fewer pilgrims.
Overview
A magnificent 108-temple complex dedicated to the patron deity of the Mewar Maharanas, featuring a four-faced black marble Shiva idol.
History & Legacy
The temple was originally established in 734 CE by Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Mewar dynasty (Guhila clan), who received the idol of Eklingji as a gift from the sage Harit Rishi. The current structure dates largely to the 15th century, rebuilt during the reign of Maharana Kumbha (1433-1468 CE), the same ruler who built the Victory Tower at Chittorgarh. The temple complex suffered damage during various invasions but was meticulously restored by successive Mewar rulers, most notably Maharana Raj Singh I and Maharana Sajjan Singh. The Mewar Maharanas consider themselves as 'Dewans' (prime ministers) of Lord Eklingji, ruling the kingdom as his representatives — a tradition that continues symbolically to this day. The temple is managed by the Eklingji Trust and remains an active religious site in Rajasthan.
Mythology & Legends
“According to local tradition, the sage Harit Rishi performed severe penance to please Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva agreed to become the family deity of the Guhila clan and manifested as the four-faced Eklingji. Another legend states that the original lingam was established by Bappa Rawal after he received a divine vision instructing him to install the idol at this location. The temple is associated with the belief that Lord Shiva himself chose this spot to reside, making it the spiritual center of Mewar.”
Architecture
The main temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture with a soaring spire (shikhara) typical of medieval Rajasthani temples. The sanctum houses the four-faced black marble Shiva lingam, each face carved with distinct features. The temple features a pillared mandapa (hall) with ornately carved ceilings, supported by sandstone columns. The complex includes 108 smaller shrines, each with its own shikhara, arranged around the main temple in concentric enclosures. The temple walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Puranas, including the Samudra Manthan and various legends of Shiva. The entrance gateway (Torana) features fine stone lattice work. The temple complex is enclosed within a high wall with bastions, giving it a fortress-like appearance.
Religious & Cultural Significance
Eklingji is the patron deity (Kuldevta) of the Mewar dynasty, and the Maharanas of Mewar rule as his Dewans (prime ministers). The four faces of the Shiva lingam represent the divine trinity plus the goddess — Lord Shiva (west, human-faced), Lord Brahma (south, bearded), Lord Vishnu (east, holding lotus), and Goddess Parvati (north, feminine). This unique iconography is not found in any other Shiva temple in India. The temple complex of 108 shrines is arranged around the main temple in a deliberate cosmic pattern. The temple is also the venue for the Mewar royal family's most important religious ceremonies, including coronations and weddings.
Daily Rituals
Daily rituals follow the Shaiva Agama tradition. The temple opens at 4:30 AM with the Mangala Aarti. The main rituals include Abhishekam of the lingam with milk, curd, ghee, honey, and water, performed every two hours. The Rudra Abhishekam is performed every Monday. The temple priests belong to the Vashistha Gotra Brahmin community, who have served the temple for generations. The 'Bhog' offering is made at noon and again in the evening.
Festivals & Celebrations
Maha Shivaratri is the most important festival, celebrated with night-long vigils and special abhishekams. The 'Mewar Festival' (March-April) sees the royal family visiting the temple for special ceremonies. Nag Panchami (July-August) is celebrated with offerings of milk to serpent idols. Shravan Mondays (July-August) draw thousands of pilgrims. Diwali and Holi are also observed with special temple decorations.
Interesting Facts
Patron deity of the Mewar Maharanas, the four-faced Chaturmukha Shiva lingam, unique among all Shiva temples, the 108-shrine complex, and the tradition of Mewar rulers serving as 'Dewans' of Lord Eklingji
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
October to March offers pleasant weather. Maha Shivaratri (February-March) is the most spiritually significant time but is crowded. The early morning hours (6 AM to 9 AM) provide the best experience with fewer pilgrims.
Temple Timings
4:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily. The temple closes for a few hours in the afternoon.
How to Reach & Visitor Tips
The temple is 22 km north of Udaipur on the Udaipur-Nathdwara highway. Taxis and buses are available from Udaipur city center. Modest attire is required — shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted. Photography is allowed in the complex but not inside the main sanctum. The temple can be combined with a visit to Nagda and the Eklingji stepwell (baoli). There are several dharamshalas (pilgrim rest houses) near the temple for overnight stays.
Nearby Attractions
Udaipur (22 km) offers the City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jagdish Temple, and Sahelion-ki-Bari. The Nagda Temples (5 km) are an older complex of Jain and Hindu temples dating to the 10th-11th centuries. The Haldighati Pass (40 km) is the site of the famous 1576 battle between Maharana Pratap and Akbar. The Kumbhalgarh Fort (85 km) with its massive wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Chittorgarh Fort (120 km) is the historic capital of Mewar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the significance of the four faces of Eklingji?
A. The four faces of Eklingji represent Lord Shiva (west, human-faced), Lord Brahma (south, bearded), Lord Vishnu (east, holding a lotus), and Goddess Parvati (north, feminine). This unique iconography makes Eklingji a distinct Shiva representation in India.
Q. How far is Eklingji from Udaipur?
A. Eklingji Temple is located about 22 kilometers north of Udaipur in Kailashpuri village. It takes approximately 30-40 minutes by taxi.
Q. What is the dress code for the temple?
A. Modest attire is required. Traditional Indian clothing is preferred. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted. The temple is conservative in its dress code expectations.
Did You Know?
- This temple was built under the patronage of the Mewar Rulers dynasty, reflecting their architectural vision.
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Visiting as an International Traveller
India's temples are living traditions — not museums. Every temple has its own customs. This guide helps first-time visitors prepare with confidence and respect.
Foreign visitor information is being researched
Please verify with the official temple authority before planning your visit.
Entry Status
Foreign Visitors
Verify Before VisitingVisitor Information
Entry policies vary between temples. Most temples welcome visitors, while some may restrict access to specific areas, rituals, or the inner sanctum. Always verify the latest entry guidelines with the official temple authorities before your visit.
Dress Code
Modest clothing is expected at every Indian temple — a sign of respect, not a restriction. Think of it as dressing for a formal ceremony.
Shoulders covered
Knees covered
Shoes removed before entry
Head covering (women)
Rain gear available
Warm layers (winter)
A scarf is always useful — it covers shoulders, works as a head covering, and can double as a makeshift face cover if needed.
Temple Etiquette
Remove footwearShoes and sandals are left outside. Socks are usually fine. Most temples provide free shoe storage.
Silence phonesSwitch to silent or vibrate before entering. Phone calls inside the temple are considered disrespectful.
Queue patientlyDarshan queues can be long — sometimes hours at major temples. Wait your turn calmly. No pushing or cutting.
No touching idolsUnless a priest explicitly invites you, never touch the deities. This is considered a serious breach of respect.
No flash photographyFlash disturbs the sacred atmosphere. Some temples ban all cameras inside the inner sanctum.
No smoking or alcoholTemple premises are strictly smoke-free and alcohol-free. This includes e-cigarettes.
Receive prasadam respectfullyAccept with both hands or right hand. Never refuse. Eat it — do not discard blessed offerings.
Respect restricted areasCertain areas may be off-limits to visitors. Follow signage and priest instructions.
No public displays of affectionTemples are conservative spaces. Avoid hugging, kissing, or intimate behaviour on the premises.
Dress conservativelyAvoid revealing clothing. Tight, transparent, or ripped clothes are not appropriate.
Photography Guide
Outside
Inside
Flash
Drone
Tripod
Commercial
Outdoor photography is generally permitted. Indoor photography is often restricted. Always look for signage or ask a priest before taking photos inside.
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season
October to March offers pleasant weather. Maha Shivaratri (February-March) is the most spiritually significant time but is crowded. The early morning hours (6 AM to 9 AM) provide the best experience with fewer pilgrims.
Moderate to High — comfortable weather
Summer
April — June
Low — hot plains, pleasant hills
Monsoon
July — September
Low — lush landscape, travel delays possible
Language & Communication
English spoken
English is widely understood at major tourist temples. In smaller local temples, Hindi and the regional language are more common. A smile and simple hand gestures go a long way. Learning a few words of the local language is always appreciated.
Payment & Currency
Cash (Indian Rupees) is the most reliable option, especially for temple offerings, small shops, and local transport.
UPI digital payments (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) are widely accepted across India — even at roadside stalls. Download one before you arrive.
International credit/debit cards work at most ATMs, hotels, and larger establishments. Smaller vendors may only accept cash or UPI.
Carry small denominations (₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100 notes) for offerings and temple donations. Large notes (₹500, ₹2000) can be hard to break at smaller counters.
Accessibility
Many historic temples have uneven stone floors, multiple steps, and narrow passages. Wheelchair access is limited at older sites — contact the temple in advance.
Basic restroom facilities and drinking water are available at most major temples. Some charge a small fee (₹5–₹10).
Safety Tips
Stay hydrated — carry a reusable water bottle, especially in hot climates.
Keep valuables secure — use hotel lockers for passports and excess cash.
Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear — temple floors can be hot, wet, or uneven.
Beware of unofficial guides or touts near temple entrances. Only use authorised services.
Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa. Leave originals in your hotel safe.
Download offline maps — mobile networks can be unreliable near remote temple sites.
Understanding Temple Traditions
These short explanations help make sense of what you see and experience.
What is Darshan?
Darshan means 'seeing' — but in a temple it means being seen by the deity. It is a sacred moment of connection, not just a viewing.
Why remove shoes?
Removing footwear is a sign of humility. It also keeps the temple floor clean, since devotees sit and pray on the ground.
What is Prasadam?
Food offered to the deity and then distributed to devotees. It is considered blessed. Accept it with both hands and do not discard it.
Why ring the bell?
The bell creates a focused acoustic atmosphere, wards off distractions, and announces your presence before entering the inner sanctum.
Why walk clockwise?
Circumambulation (pradakshina) is done clockwise, keeping the sanctum on your right — an auspicious direction aligned with the sun's path.
What do offerings mean?
Flowers symbolise devotion, coconuts represent the ego being broken, incense purifies the air, and lamps represent the victory of light over darkness.
Tips for International Visitors
Temple Vocabulary
Darshan/ DAR-shan /
Sacred viewing of the deity; the central act of temple worship.
Pradakshina/ pra-DAK-shee-na /
Clockwise circumambulation of the sanctum.
Prasadam/ PRA-sa-dam /
Blessed food offered to the deity and distributed to devotees.
Garbhagriha/ GAR-bha-GREE-ha /
The innermost sanctum where the main deity resides.
Shikhaara/ shi-KHAA-ra /
The towering spire above the sanctum, a defining feature of temple architecture.
Mandapa/ MAN-da-pa /
A pillared hall or pavilion within the temple complex.
Currency Tips
The Indian Rupee (?, INR) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. For temple offerings, keep small notes (₹10, ₹20, ₹50). Most temples accept donations in cash only — digital payments are uncommon at the offering counter itself.
Donation Etiquette
Offerings (dakshina) are given with the right hand. Place cash in the donation box (hundi) or give it directly to the priest. There is no fixed amount — give what feels appropriate. Some temples have fixed fees for special entry or puja participation.
Removing Footwear
Shoes and sandals are removed before entering the temple building. Most temples have a designated shoe counter (free or a small fee of ₹5–₹20). Socks are generally allowed. In monsoon, carry a plastic bag for wet shoes.
Temple Queue System
Darshan queues can take 30 minutes to 3 hours at popular temples. Many offer paid VIP darshan (₹100–₹500) for faster entry. Special queues for women, elderly, and disabled visitors exist at some temples. No line jumping.
Festival Crowd Warning
Major festivals draw enormous crowds — sometimes hundreds of thousands. Book accommodation months in advance. Expect road closures, restricted vehicle access, and limited phone network. Arrive early (before dawn) to avoid the worst congestion.
Photography Etiquette
Always look for signage before taking photos. When in doubt, ask a priest. Never take photos of devotees in prayer without permission. Selfie sticks are banned at most temples. Silently switch your phone to silent mode.
Essential Contacts
Police / Ambulance / Fire: 112 (National Emergency Number)
Tourist Helpline: 1800-111-363 (Multi-lingual, Ministry of Tourism)
Women's Helpline: 1091
Travel Preparation Checklist
Packing Checklist for Eklingji Temple
Continue Reading
Temple-specific visitor information is continuously researched and updated from official sources. Where specific data is unavailable, general India travel guidance is provided. Always verify current policies with the temple authority before your visit.
Information last verified July 2026. Temple-specific data coming soon.
By Sacred Places India Editorial Team
Updated: July 2026
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