The 108-temple complex is famous throughout Rajasthan for its beautifully sculpted granite and marble structures. The earliest temples date back to 734 AD, built in honor of Eklingji, a form of Shiva and the favored deity of the local Mewar rulers. In the centuries that followed, other rulers continued to add on to the complex. The largest temple, built from the ruins of previously destroyed structures, was completed in the fifteenth century.
The temple is located about a 30- to 45-minute drive north of Udaipur by car, and is difficult to get to if relying on public transport. As such, most visitors come here either by taxi or auto-rickshaw from Udaipur as part of an organized tour (or stop off en route to other destinations such as Jaipur or Pushkar).
Most devotees come on Monday, as it’s associated with Lord Shiva, and even the Maharana of Udaipur has been known to visit on Monday evenings. If you'd prefer to enjoy the intricate architecture in peace, plan your visit on another weekday. The temple opens sporadically throughout the day, so ask for the day's hours at your hotel before heading out.
The area around Eklingji is full of Hindu and Jain temples, some ruined and some in use. Many visitors to Eklingji make a point of also visiting the Sahastra Bahu Temples in nearby Nagda. Here you'll find a number of partially ruined shrines, many dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in Hindu mythology.