The temple was originally established in 734 CE by Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Mewar dynasty (Guhila clan), who received the idol of Eklingji as a gift from the sage Harit Rishi. The current structure dates largely to the 15th century, rebuilt during the reign of Maharana Kumbha (1433-1468 CE), the same ruler who built the Victory Tower at Chittorgarh.
The temple complex suffered damage during various invasions but was meticulously restored by successive Mewar rulers, most notably Maharana Raj Singh I and Maharana Sajjan Singh. The Mewar Maharanas consider themselves as 'Dewans' (prime ministers) of Lord Eklingji, ruling the kingdom as his representatives — a tradition that continues symbolically to this day. The temple is managed by the Eklingji Trust and remains an active religious site in Rajasthan.
