Oneshwar Mahadev Temple Pratapnagar Uttarakhand
Oneshwar Mahadev Temple is located in Deval village in the Pratapnagar region of Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand. The temple is believed to be centuries old, is nestled in the hills of the Garhwal Himalayas.The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, worshipped here in the form of Oneshwar Mahadev.
The name “Oneshwar” means “Lord of Om”, and also “The One and Only God” — a powerful form of Shiva representing oneness and supreme energy. The deity is believed to have manifested Himself at this sacred spot, making it a Swayambhu (self-originated) shrine. It is regarded as a Siddhpeeth – a spiritually powerful place where devotees’ prayers are said to be answered.
Architecture
The temple has traditional Garhwali hill-style architecture. Built with local stone, it features a small sanctum (garbhagriha) and a sloping roof made of slate, typical of temples in the Himalayan region. The walls are simple and sturdy, preserving the ancient charm. Inside, the Shiva Lingam sits on a stone base (yoni), and a nandi statue faces the sanctum as Shiva’s vehicle and loyal devotee.
Sthalapurana
Many years ago, in a nearby village, seven brothers were tragically killed, allegedly betrayed and murdered by their own cousins. The violent incident shocked the region, and soon after, the villagers began experiencing strange phenomena. The souls of the seven brothers were seen wandering in different forms — sometimes as snakes, sometimes as children, and at times as shadowy figures. Fear and confusion gripped the village.
In an effort to bring peace to the departed souls, the villagers placed memorial stones (pindis) in a quiet forest clearing. But when they tried to move them later, the stones had become unmovable, mysteriously rooted to the ground.
That night, a respected village elder had a powerful divine dream. In the vision, Lord Shiva appeared before him in the form of a child. Shiva told him,
“Do not move these stones. I have chosen this place as my home. Build a temple here, and I shall protect and bless all who come with faith.”
The villagers, awestruck by the vision, returned the next day and found the pindis had transformed into solid rock formations — a clear sign of Lord Shiva’s presence. They immediately began worshipping the site and built a small shrine around the rocks. Over time, this developed into what is now known as the Oneshwar Mahadev Temple.
The Sacred Bhekal Tree Incident
As the villagers carried the Nishan (divine insignia) of the deity toward his new resting place, they stopped under a Bhekal tree to rest. When they tried to lift the Nishan again, it wouldn’t move, despite repeated efforts.
That night, Lord Shiva again appeared in a dream to the elder, reaffirming:
“This is where I wish to stay — under the Bhekal tree. Let no one attempt to move me again.”
When someone once tried to cut the Bhekal tree, it is said that blood oozed out from it, shocking the villagers. This miraculous event convinced everyone that the spot was divinely chosen, and it became the final site of the temple. The naturally formed Shiva Lingam was discovered there, and the temple was built exactly where the Lord had revealed.
The main festivals at Oneshwar Mahadev Temple are *Mahashivaratri* and the *Shravan month. On Mahashivaratri, a large fair is held with special rituals and prayers. During Shravan (July–August), devotees visit especially on Mondays to perform **jalabhishek* and seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
