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Ekhathiya Deval
Located in the peaceful hills of Uttarakhand, Pithoragarh district is home to one of the most mysterious Famous temples in Pithoragarh — the ancient Ek Hathiya Deval. This isn’t just any ordinary shrine. According to local legends, it was built by a single man, using only one hand, and completed in just one night. Sounds impossible, right? Yet this incredible temple exists, and its story continues to captivate everyone who visits.
Where Did It Come From? (Ekhathiya Deval Temple)
Ekhathiya Deval is ancient, conceivably erected over 1,000 times ago during the Katyuri dynasty, who ruled this part of India. The tabernacle is made from a single big gravestone and sculpted beautifully, showing how talented ancient builders were.
The name” Ekhathiya” means” one hand” in Hindi, which tells us a lot about the story behind it.
The History Behind the Temple-Ekhathiya Deval Temple
A Sculptor’s Determination
The most popular legend says a man who was a professed sculptor lost one of his hands. People laughed at him, allowing he could noway work again. But to prove everyone wrong, he made this entire tabernacle in just one night using only his remaining hand. The coming morning, the townies were astounded when they discovered the tabernacle But the man faded ever. No bone
knows where he went.
The King’s Jealousy
Another interpretation says a king was jealous of the sculptor’s gift. But indeed also, the man didn’t give up. Before leaving the area, he sculpted the tabernacle overnight as a way to show that no one could stop him.
What Does the Temple Look Like? (Ekhathiya Deval Temple)
- He tabernacle is sculpted from one big gravestone.
- It’s small — the inside is about 6 bases high and 10 bases wide.
- The tabernacle faces west, which is unusual for Hindu tabernacles( most face east or north).
- Inside, there’s a Shiva Lingam, but no bone worships it.
Why Is No One Worshipping Here?
- They say that because it was erected as an act of wrathfulness and pain, it brings bad luck. That’s why no bone
- performs rituals or prayers inside the tabernacle. Locals admire the tabernacle but stay down from worshipping in it.
What’s Strange About the Shivling?
One unique thing is that the Shiva Lingam inside faces south, which is believed to be unlucky in Hindu traditions. Some say the sculptor was in a rush and didn’t follow the usual religious rules. This might be one reason why people suppose it brings mischance.
Location and How to Visit ?(Ekhathiya Deval Temple)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | About 6 kilometers from Thal, a small village in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand |
| Surroundings | Green hills, dense forests, and scenic Himalayan landscapes |
| How to Reach | Trek from Thal through natural forest trails and hill paths |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to moderate (depends on the season and weather) |
| Best Time to Visit | March to June and September to November (pleasant weather, clear skies) |
| Important Tip | Visit with respect; locals advise not to perform rituals or worship inside the temple |
FAQs About Ekhathiya Deval Temple
1.What is Ekhathiya Deval and why is it so famous?
Ekhathiya Deval is a small, ancient Shiva temple located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. What makes it truly special is the legend behind its creation. Locals believe a one-handed sculptor built this temple in just one night, carving it entirely from a single rock. This incredible story of strength, dedication, and mystery is what makes the temple so famous. It’s also said to be cursed, and this unusual mix of myth, history, and fear attracts curious travelers, historians, and spiritual seekers.
2. Is it true that the temple was built in one night?
According to the original legend, yes. The story says that a impaired sculptor, who had only one hand, sculpted the entire tabernacle in a single night to prove his chops. While there is no scientific substantiation to confirm this, the belief has been passed down for generations. Whether or not it’s literally true, the story symbolizes mortal strength and determination.
3. Why do people say the temple is cursed?
People believe that Ekhathiya Deval is cursed because of the way it was built. The story goes that the sculptor built the temple out of anger and pride, and his suffering is said to have left a negative energy behind. Additionally, the Shiva Lingam inside the temple faces south, which in Hindu tradition is considered inauspicious or unlucky. Because of this, no rituals or pujas (prayers) are done inside the temple. Locals say anyone who tries to worship there might face bad luck or misfortune.
4. Is the Ekhathiya Deval temple open to tourists?
Yes, the tabernacle is open for both excursionists and callers. There are no sanctioned restrictions on visiting the tabernacle, but it’s important to be regardful. Since locals believe it’s accursed , you should avoid doing any kind of ritual or touching the Lingam outside. The point is further of a literal and artistic monument than a regular place of deification. It’s also a great spot for touring, photography, and nature suckers.
5. What is the best time to visit Ekhathiya Deval?
The ideal time to explore the temple is from March to June or between September and November. During these months or days, the weather is good, and the trekking path is dry and safe for tourists. Monsoon season (July–August) brings heavy which makes the track slippery and risky. Winters (December–February) can be very cold, and the area may even receive snowfall, so it’s best to avoid visiting during that time unless you are well-prepared.
Conclusion
Further than a Monument, Ek Hathiya Deval Temple isn’t just a gravestone structure. It’s a story sculpted in silence, a riddle saved by time, and a symbol of what mortal hands, or indeed just one, can achieve with godly alleviation. In a world of fleetly evaporating heritage, this tabernacle stands as a memorial of India’s dateless church, art, and riddle.
