Popular Temple
Shri Eklingji Temple
Kailashpuri, Udaipur district, Rajasthan
Tutelary deity of the Mewar Maharanas, who traditionally ruled as mere 'Diwan' (regents) on his behalf
At a glance
- Location
- Kailashpuri, Udaipur district, Rajasthan
- Presiding deity
- Lord Eklingji (Shiva, the tutelary deity of the Mewar dynasty)
- Temple type
- Popular Temple
- Tradition
- Shaiva
- Nearest railway station
- Udaipur City railway station (~22-23 km)
- Nearest airport
- Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur (~30 km)
- Best time to visit
- October to March; Mondays are considered especially auspicious here.
History
Eklingji Temple, about 22 km from Udaipur in Kailashpuri, is dedicated to Shiva as the tutelary deity of the Mewar dynasty. Believed to have been founded in the 8th century, the temple held such significance that the Maharanas of Mewar traditionally styled themselves merely as "Diwan" (regent) of Lord Eklingji, rather than sovereign rulers in their own right. A four-faced black marble Shiva idol is the temple's centrepiece.
Spiritual significance
The complex includes 108 small and large shrines, and is deeply tied to both the faith and political tradition of the Mewar royal house — a special ritual here was traditionally considered essential before a new Maharana's coronation.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
4:30 AM to around 7:00-7:30 PM, across multiple sessions with a midday break.
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
From Udaipur station, Eklingji is roughly a 40-45 minute taxi or bus ride away; many visitors combine it with local Udaipur sightseeing.
Continue your Shiva bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.