Shri Eklingji Temple, Kailashpuri

Shri Eklingji Temple, Kailashpuri is a Hindu sacred place in Kailashpuri (Eklingji), Udaipur, Rajasthan, connected with Shri Eklingji (Lord Shiva as Chaturmukha-linga — four-faced linga). The temple belongs to the Shaiva stream of worship, where abhisheka, bilva offering, mantra japa, and evening aarti are central parts of the devotional rhythm.

**Bappa Rawal Foundation (~734 CE):** Bappa Rawal, founder of the Guhila/Sisodia dynasty of Mewar, established the temple after receiving Shiva's blessings through his guru, Sage Harit Rishi (also called Harit Rashi or Harit Risi). According to tradition, Harit Rishi gave Bappa his ashram and the deity, charging him with the custodianship of Mewar in Eklingji's name. **Subsequent Reconstructions:** The original 8th-century structure was damaged or destroyed in subsequent centuries. **Maharana Mokal (r.1421–1433)** reconstructed the temple in white marble, which is largely the structure that stands today. Subsequent additions and restorations through the Sisodia Maharanas (Kumbha, Pratap, Raj Singh I, etc.) created the 108-temple complex. **Mughal Era:** Despite Mughal pressure on Mewar, Eklingji was never significantly damaged. Maharana Pratap (r.1572–1597), legendary for his resistance to Akbar, regularly visited the temple. After Pratap's victory at Dewair in 1582, he came to Eklingji to give thanks. **Modern Era:** The temple is administered by the Eklingji Temple Trust, headed by the Maharana of Mewar (the current head is Maharaj Mahendra Singh Mewar of Udaipur). The ASI co-manages preservation. The Maharana continues to visit Eklingji on important Hindu festivals and family occasions.

Major observances connected with this profile include Maha Shivaratri (February–March), Mondays (every week), Shravan Month (July–August), Holi (March). During these periods, devotees should expect heavier crowds, longer queues, and a stronger emphasis on aarti, utsav, and local temple customs.

A useful visit plan begins with the darshan window, then works backward through route, footwear and bag rules, offering guidelines, queue options, and local transport from Kailashpuri (Eklingji). For older shrines and high-crowd temples, early morning and non-festival weekdays usually give devotees more time for quiet prayer.

For devotional preparation, visitors can keep the practice simple: learn the main deity's name, carry only permitted offerings, observe modest dress, and close the visit with a short mantra, pradakshina, or dana where appropriate. This keeps temple travel connected to sadhana rather than only sightseeing.