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TEMPLE · RAJASTHANEklingji
The ancient temple of Eklingnath, the ruling deity of Mewar, in a temple town just north of Udaipur.
The ruling deity of Mewar
Eklingji, at Kailashpuri some 22 km north of Udaipur, is the temple of Eklingnath — a form of Shiva regarded as the true ruler of Mewar, with the Maharanas serving only as his earthly representatives.
The complex is an atmospheric cluster of stone temples, its main shrine housing a striking four-faced black-marble image of Shiva, rebuilt and added to across the centuries.
Close by lie the ancient Sas-Bahu temples of Nagda, making Eklingji a rewarding half-day of temple architecture and Mewar history, easily reached from Udaipur or Nathdwara.
The stone temples of the Eklingji complex near Udaipur.
Reasons to make the time
Deity of Mewar
Eklingnath is held to be the true ruler of Mewar; the Maharanas governed formally as his regents rather than in their own right, which is unusual even in Rajasthan.
Stone temples
The complex holds over a hundred shrines within its walls, many finely carved, built and rebuilt across centuries around the central temple.
Four-faced Shiva
The image in the sanctum is a four-faced black marble Shiva, and the darkness of the stone against the white marble hall is striking.
Easy from Udaipur
It sits on the road north from Udaipur, so Nagda and Nathdwara fold into the same half-day without any detour.
Top sights in Eklingji
Photos via Wikimedia Commons
How to spend an hour or two
Take darshan
Take darshan at the main Eklingnath shrine, checking the timings first — the temple opens only in fixed slots.
See the complex
Walk the wider complex, where the cluster of carved subsidiary shrines repays more time than most visitors give it.
Visit Sas-Bahu temples
Go on to the Sas-Bahu temples at Nagda, a short distance away and among the finest early carving in Mewar.
Stop at Bagela Lake
Sit a while by the lake at Nagda, which is quiet and almost always empty.
Add Nathdwara
Continue north to Nathdwara and the Shrinathji temple, one of the great Vaishnav pilgrimage centres.
When to go
October to March gives pleasant weather for both the temples and the short drive up from Udaipur.
The monsoon turns the Aravalli hills around the complex green, and the approach is at its best then.
April to June is hot outside, though the marble interiors stay noticeably cool through the day.
⏰ Eklingji opens to visitors only during set darshan hours with a midday break — check timings before you go.
Timings & entry
- Open in fixed morning and evening slots with a midday break.
- Phones and cameras are restricted within the main temple.
Getting there
By Air
Udaipur airport, about an hour away, is the nearest.
By Rail
Udaipur is the closest major railhead.
By Road
About 22 km north of Udaipur on the Nathdwara road.
Know before you go
Eklingji FAQ
What is Eklingji?
An ancient temple to Eklingnath, a form of Shiva revered as the ruling deity of Mewar, about 22 km north of Udaipur. The Maharanas of Mewar ruled formally as his regents, which gives the temple a standing few others have.
How far is Eklingji from Udaipur?
Around 22 km, roughly a 45-minute drive on the road towards Nathdwara. It is one of the easiest half-day trips out of Udaipur.
Can I combine it with Nagda?
Yes. The Sas-Bahu temples at Nagda stand right beside Eklingji and are among the finest early carved temples in this part of Rajasthan — and far less visited.
Are there timing restrictions?
Yes. The temple opens only during set darshan slots with a long midday break, so check the current timings before travelling rather than turning up.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is restricted inside the main temple. Shoot the complex and the subsidiary shrines instead, and leave phones and cameras outside the sanctum.
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Published 7 July 2026