Devigarh. Part2. Eklingji.

The sixteenth century were tough times for the people of Rajasthan.

When it was rumoured that the great Rana Pratap was willing to accept Akbar as the Emperor of India, a desolate nephew/ fellow Rajput wrote to teh Rana.

" O Rana, they say you are going to compromise our position. What shall I do with my moustache?"

" By Eklingji!" the intrepid warrior replied " Till the time I have my sword in my hand, and a breath is left in my body, I shall always consider Akbar as only a Turk. Have no fear, O Prithviraj, and twirl your moustache with pride!"

It was perhaps the might of Eklingji - or Shiva- that lent credence to the claims of a motley bunch of warriors from the desert land. 

This temple of Eklingji, which is 7 kms off Devigarh has some amazing Jain architecture. it was supposed to have been re-furbished in the fifteenth century over the existing  ancient temple of 8th century. 

But, it is the people that inhabit the little village around the complex, lend colour and charm to this cute little place.

Some glimpses....

 Featured above: The Flower sellers. Lilies for the Lord.

 Is there an equivalent of Punya Kamaana in English? This dame is doing that.

She must have been beautiful. She still is.

Catch them young!

Sitting by the roadside. The temple forming the backdrop. Turban providing the relief. Not to mention the diligent cleaning of the ear.
Ahhhhh! This... is life! 

 Even the pilgrims will eventually get hungry... and the corn will sell like hot cakes....

 fashion walk.

The Temple. and the birds.

 The Family Portrait.

 

Just Chill. Even time will stop for us here.


That's it for now, folks.

Will be back soon... with another temple saga....