About Udaipur

The city of udaipur owes its name to its founder Maharana Udai Singh. Udaipur can rightly be called as The Romantic City Of Lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert. Udaipur is also known as the Venice Of The East. Pichloa lake, Fateh sagar lake, Jaisamand lake, Rajsamand lake, Udai sagar lake and Doodh talai in udaipur are some of the most beautiful lakes in rajasthan. The city of udaipur also boasts of several gardens that are truly a green retreat in the dry lands of rajasthan. Gulab bagh or Sajjan niwas garden in udaipur is the largest garden of rajasthan, Saheliyon ki bari is one of the most beautiful garden and a major tourist destination in the city and the Nehru garden set amidst the fateh sagar lake offers truly an eye-soothing view for any observer.
The city is also known for its Rajput-era palaces. Particularly famous is the Lake palace which entirely covers a small island in the pichola lake. Fateh prakash palace and City palace are also the beautiful palaces worth watching. Jagdish temple made in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture is one of the famous temples of udaipur located in the city palace complex. Its architecture comprises beautifully carved pillars, decorated ceilings, painted walls and lush halls and it is one of the major tourist attraction.
The city of udaipur also presents artifacts of the bygone age by the means of museums. City palace museum, Bhartiyalok kala museum, Shilpgram museum, Ahar museum and Vintage collection of classic car museum offers a glimpse of the items that used to be the part of the regal lifestyle. Other major attraction of the city are Maharana Pratap Memorial or Moti Magri, Bagore-ki-haveli, Udaipur solar observatory - Asia's only solar observatory, Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary, Sukhadia circle which is a landmark built on a traffic roundabout in udaipur. It is a three tiered fountain that is lit at night and is a popular place for the locals in evenings.
Udaipur houses some of the most luring hotels ranging from heritage and luxury hotels to economy and budget hotels with world class facilities, romantic escapades, traditional rajasthani hospitality and deft professional service. It is the personalized attention and royal treatment that makes one's stay in udaipur really worthwhile. Since there are so many lakes that has earned the city the title of "City Of Lakes", almost all the rooms in the hotels offer delightful views of serene and placid lake waters or spring green gardens that are always in full bloom.
This blog is a complete tourist guide as it covers all the major attractions of the city one would like to know about and has all the other necessary information with some of the best pictures one would like to view before visiting the place.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Eklingji Temple




Eklingji Temple is one of the most famous temples of Rajasthan. Located in the town of Eklingji (Kailashpuri), the place got its popular name from the temple. Eklingji Temple is positioned at a distance of 22 km in the north of Udaipur, on the national highway no. 8. Eklingnath Temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva of the Hindu religion. Initially, the temple was built in 734 A.D. by Bappa Rawal. Since that time, Eklingji has been the ruling deity of Mewar rulers. In the later years, it was repaired and modified by various Kings, to clean the remnants of obliteration made by the attacks of Mohammedans.
The magnificent architecture of Eklingnath Temple is simply remarkable. The double-storied temple looks awesome with its pyramidal style of roof and distinctly carved tower. The outer walls of the temple are stretched with steps that descend touching the serene waters. Inside the complex, the main temple is a huge pillared hall or 'mandap' that is sheltered by hefty pyramidal roof. On entering this hall, you will be welcomed by a silver image of Nandi. In the temple, there are two other images of Nandi carved in black stone and brass respectively. You would find this temple full of mesmerizing fragrance.
The temple boasts of a striking four-faced idol of Eklingji (Lord Shiva) that is made out of black marble. Its height ranges around 50 feet and its four faces depict four forms of Lord Shiva. The east-facing part is recognized as Surya, the west-facing part is Lord Brahma, the north-facing part is Lord Vishnu and the south-facing part is Rudra i.e. Lord Shiva himself. The zenith of the multifaceted idol is known as 'Yantra that stands for the ultimate reality. The Shivlinga (Phallic form of Lord Shiva) garlanded by a silver snake, acquires the major attraction of people.
Being sited in the middle, Shivlinga is encircled by Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikay. Inside the temple complex, you would find statues of Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Yamuna. The main temple also boasts of heavy silver doors, which depicts Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikay guarding their father. To the north of Eklingji temple, there are two tanks namely Karz Kund and Tulsi Kund. Water of these tanks is consumed during the services of the Lord. The festival of Shivratri is observed here with full gusto and fervor. At this time, the image of Lord Shiva is adorned with jewelry.
Enrooted in the religious roots, the town comprises around 108 small and big temples. Near to Eklingji Temple, you can also trace various temples that are dedicated to Ambika Mata, Kalki and Lord Ganesha. One more temple by the name of Nathon Ka Mandir that dates back to 10th century catches the attraction. Lakulish temple is a fine temple that was built in 971. It is the exclusive temple of the Lakulish sect in India. Sas- Bahu temple is another temple that is all raised in marble of the 11th century. The Jain Temple of Adbhudji is made in black marble which dates back to the 15th century.
Amongst other temples of Kailashpuri (better known as Eklingji), temples of Pataleshwar Mahadeo, Arbada Mata, Rathasan Devi and Vindhyavasini Devi are worth mentioning. The wonderful architecture of these temples makes the onlooker to ponder over the artistry of those times. The city of Eklingji or Kailashpuri is located amidst a beautiful valley on the lands of Rajasthan that houses some of the marvelous temples of India. While planning your trip to Udaipur, don't forget to include Eklingji in your itinerary, otherwise you would be at a miss.

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