Eklingji temple is located at a distance of about 22 km from Udaipur. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, a Hindu deity held in high regard by the kings of Mewar, the Eklingji Temple is believed to have been founded by Acharya Vishwaroop. The sprawling temple stretches over 2500 sq feet area and towers to a height of 65 feet. The temple has ramparts protecting it and is built of sandstone and marble, both indigenously available materials. The lesser temples in the precincts are devoted to Parvati (Lord Shiva's consort), Ganesha, Kartikeya, the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, the Amba and the Goddess Kalka. The Nathon Ka Mandir shrine within the complex is a beautifully inscribed temple which dates back to the 10th century. The new temple complex is believed to have been built upon the ruins of an old shrine (dating back to 734 AD) in the 15th century.
The main idol of Shiva here is depicted as having 5 heads. The head facing west represents Brahma the god of creation, the one facing north represents Vishnu, the south facing face depicts Maheshwar while the east turned one represents Surya or Sun. There is a silver and a stone Nandi idol in the temple premises.
Karz Kund and the Tulsi Kund provide waters for the worship and prayers here are held in the traditional Vedic style starting as early as 4 am everyday. Shivaratri is the major festival that is celebrated in the temple. The deities are decked up in finery and large scale prayers and music recitals are held. Eklingji was regarded by the Rajput kings of Mewar as the actual ruler of the state in whose name they governed the state.
