Located in the town of Kailashpuri, just 22 kilometers north of Udaipur, the Eklingji Temple is one of the most historically significant and spiritually revered pilgrimage sites in Rajasthan. Founded originally in 734 AD by Bappa Rawal, the legendary ancestor of the Mewar dynasty, this magnificent multi-temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Eklingji—the single, supreme ruling deity of the region.

What gives Eklingji a unique place in Indian history is its profound political philosophy. The Maharanas of Udaipur do not consider themselves the true kings of Mewar; instead, they historically rule as the Dewans (prime ministers) or trustees under the divine sovereignty of Eklingji, making this temple the ultimate spiritual anchor of the kingdom for over a millennium.

The story of Eklingji is deeply intertwined with the rise of the Mewar Kingdom. Legend states that a young Bappa Rawal was wandering the Aravalli hills when he met the great sage Harit Rashi, a devout ascetic of the Pashupata Shaivite sect. Deeply impressed by the boy’s character, the sage blessed him and prophesied that he would rule the land. Before passing away, the sage directed Bappa Rawal to construct a grand shrine on the spot where he meditated.

Over the centuries, the temple was targeted and damaged during various medieval invasions, but it was continuously rebuilt, expanded, and fortified by successive visionary rulers like Rana Raimal and Rana Kumbha. The architecture we see today showcases an extraordinary blend of classic Solanki styling, heavy defensive stone walls, and incredibly intricate marble work.