Thread by @KindsoulRitzS

#Thread
Ekling Mandir

One of the most famous Mandirs of Shiva is Eklingji Temple in Udaipur region of Rajasthan. This is the name by which Shiva is worshipped here.

Eklingji Mandir has a marvelous architecture. It is double storied with colossal pyramidal style roof and

remarkably carved tower which adds to its beauty. The exterior walls of temples are stretched with stairs which directly descends in the water.

On entering the temple, you will greet a silver image of Nandi (bull). Nandi is considered to be the gate-guardian deity of Mountain

Kailasa. There are two other carvings of Nandi in brass and black stone in the temple. The four-faced idol of Bhagwan Shiva or Eklingji is placed in the main temple. The statue is placed in a towering pillared hall called a mandap.

Four-faced statue- The idol is about 50 feet in height and is made out of black stone. The four-faced figure depicts four different forms of Shiva. The eastern side recognizes Surya (the sun), western side recognizes Brahma (the ultimate creator), northern side recognizes Bhagwan

Vishu(the supreme being), and the southern side is Rudra (the mightiest of the mighty). The Eklinga statue is encircled with the figures of Maa Parvati (Wife of Shiva), Ganesha and Kartikay (sons of Shiva).

The north side of the mandir has two tanks named- Karz Kund and Tulsi Kund.

The history of Eklingji Mandir is recorded in the Ekalinga Mahatmya, a historical text written in the 15th century. According to the text, the original mandir was built in 734 A.D. by ruler Bappa Rawal.

The temple has been a victim of loot and plunders during the rule of Delhi Sultanate. The original mandir and its idols were physically damaged.
In the later years, the mandir was renovated and modified by many kings to preserve the glory and faith of people in Shri Eklingji.

In the 14th century, post-invasion, the first idol was placed by Hamir Singh in the main mandir. In the 15th century, Rana Kumbha renovated the mandir by adding the Vishnu mandir . In the 1460 inscription, Rana Kumbha is described as the accomplice of Lord Eklingji.

Later in the 15th century, the mandir was again attacked by the Malwa Sultanate’s Ghiyath Shah. He was defeated by the Rana Raimal, the son of Rana Kumbha. Rana Raimal captured Shah and procured ransom for his release. He used the money to reinstate the glory of the mandir.

This was the final rebuilding of the mandir, and an idol of Eklingji was installed in the main mandir complex.

Credit to respective owners.
#HarHarMahadevॐ
#Temple