108 Temples

I'm missing India.

Mind travel is the quickest way to get back there, so let's go...

There is yet another special place (I know, I keep saying that) that remains engraved in my memory: The Temples of Eklingji.

On our trip in January, we took a lovely 30 minute drive north of Udaipur (which, in my humble opinion, deserves the designation given by some as India's most romantic city), through the rolling hillsides and quaint villages, passing goat and cow herders along the way. We arrived at the gate of the ancient temple complex, and as usual I could not resist pulling out my camera. However, this time, men standing guard gently told me not to take any photographs. These pictures you see in this post are from different websites.

Just outside the gates of the temple, we walked through a stone path lined with women in brightly colored saris sitting on the floor and stringing orange and yellow marigolds and other flowers into garlands for the Gods. "5 rupees" they softly sang and swayed in harmony as they displayed their flowers for sale.

We removed our shoes as we entered the temple complex.

These 108 temples, known for their exquisitely carved sandstone and marble, were originally built around AD 734 by Bappa Rawal in devotion to Lord Shiva. The Maharana of Udaipur (who we actually saw in his speedboat on Lake Pichola) visits weekly to pay his respects.

The cold stone under my bare feet was refreshing in the heat of the day, as I wandered around the intimate complex exploring the 108 temples ranging in size. Some were so small, and I took upon myself the challenge of trying to visit and count each of them, some of which seem to be hiding down different little pathways and up stone stairways. Where's Mahesh, my husband? Probably enjoying the coolness under the shade of the many old trees that surround the area making it like a cave.

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As I wandered to my heart's content, I heard aartis (devotional songs) in the distance at one of the main temples where all the action seems to be at the moment. I strolled over to see what was going on. I tiptoed into the largest structure where I saw Hindu priests directing pujas and different Hindu rituals as worshippers and visitors watch with reverence.

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Then all of a sudden a large bell was rung. It was so loud I had to step out of the temple. As I breathed in the air, I felt the age of the place and the history, and sensed a tangible spirit of peace and devotion in the air.

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We drove a little further to the deserted village of Nagda. Here are the ruins of the Saas Bahu temple.

The ancient Vaishnavite twin structures (10th-century) is set against a bright green lake. No longer in use like Eklingji is, these temples still have a quiet reverence surrounding them. I felt like an archaeologist in discovery. Exploring between the two structures, we had the entire place to ourselves...until a gigantic tour bus came charging in like a mad elephant and many many people wearing khaki shorts and sneakers stepped out and ran towards the structures, cameras in tote. So much for our peace and quiet; it was nice while it lasted.