Shivalinga, the size of a lamp equal to the thumb, is worshiped in the temple.

Pratapgarh: Deepeshwar Shiva temple is built near the confluence of two streams on the banks of Deepeshwar pond in the west of the city, which is situated among huge trees of many varieties. Here in the temple, Shivalinga is of thumb size, which is worshipped.

The craft of Jaladhari of Shivalinga is also unique. The small shrines built near the temple give the feel of a pilgrimage site here.

It is said that this Shivalinga was discovered by Darbar Sawant Singh in 1765. The shape of this Shivalinga is like a lamp, hence it has been named Deepeshwar Mahadev. There is a unique story behind the discovery of Shivalinga. It is said that at the place where the temple of Deepeshwar Mahadev is located today, there used to be a forest there and every day a cow used to go and stand on top of the Shivling and a stream of milk from the cow’s breasts would fall on the Shivling.

When Darbar Sawant Singh was told about this by the shepherd, he worshiped the Shivalinga, consecrated it and established the Deepnath Mahadev Temple. After the establishment of the temple, Darbar Sawant Singh, who was suffering from childlessness for years, got a son, on which Darbar Sawant Singh named his son Kunwar Deep Singh after the name of Lord Deepeshwar Mahadev.

It is said that later the external construction of the temple was done by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Holkar dynasty. Lord Deepeshwar Mahadev is also called the king of Pratapgarh and the main reason behind this is that in which district no auspicious work is done without the worship of Lord Deepeshwar. Even during the time of the royal family, there used to be a court in Pratapgarh instead of a king and the reason for this was that the king of Pratapgarh was only Lord Deepeshwar Mahadev. Therefore, even in the royal courts of the princely period, the king was called Darbar. According to the historian, later Deep Singh, son of Darbar Sawan Singh, also built a lamp pillar in front of the temple here. Deep Sarovar was built by stopping the raging water stream, which is known as Deepeshwar Pond.

This temple is under Devsthan department. Although various events are organized here throughout the year and there is a rush of devotees from morning to evening, but during Mahashivratri and Sawan month, there is a fair like atmosphere during various events. The statue of Ganapati standing in this complex is also quite miraculous.