Neelkanth Mahadev is a Shiva temple at the height of 1330 meters, about 32 km from Rishikesh in Pauri Garhwal of Uttarakhand in India.
This famous pilgrimage near Rishikesh lies above Swargashram adjacent to the Nar Narayan mountain range.
Vishnukoot, Brahmakoot, and Manikoot are the valleys that surround the Shiva abode. Dense forests and mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan surround the temple on the confluence of Rivers Madhumati and Pankaja.
Spectacular sights of the mountains and valleys add to the beautiful natural surroundings of the temple and allure tourists.
A fire has been burning from the beginning of time inside the temple, and devotees carry this fire’s soot as Prasadam. The temple houses the idols of Sri Kapil Muni and Lord Ganesha in the temple compound.
- Address: Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir, Swargashram, Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
- Timings: 06:00 am to 09:00 pm
- Ticket Pricing: The temple offers free entry to everyone. However, you may have to pay for Pooja, Anushthan, or Abhishek.
History and Legend
Devas (Gods) and Asuras (demons) churned the ocean to obtain elixir. Ocean emanated poison after Samudra Manthan (churning of the sea). As per Hindu mythology, here, Shiva consumed poison, and it made his throat blue. Thus, Shiva came to be known as Neelkanth.
After consuming venom, Lord Shiva came to Rishikesh and sat on a mountain peak to remove the poison. His forehead had become hot after holding poison in his throat. Devtas poured water on this forehead to cool him down because Shiva was suffering from poison’s negative energy.
Since then, pouring water over the deity or the Shiv Linga has continued. Later, Devtas requested Lord Shiva to go back to his abode Kailash.
Lord Shiva is regarded as the most authoritative of all gods in the Hindu Pantheon. The aura of the temple is ethereal and subtle. Priests give out Vibhuti, Chandan, and Prasad.
Kanwar Yatra
Kanwariyas (devotees) trek from Haridwar to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. During the Shravan (Jul-Aug), Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage. A single pole is known as Kanwar. Kanwariyas fetch holy waters of Ganga and offer it at the local Shiva temples.
Best Time to Visit
Shivratri during Shravan month is a gala occasion at the temple. Pilgrims flock here for music, Pooja ceremony, performances, and the temple’s decoration in flowers and lighting. This is the best time to enjoy festivity at Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
Devotees offer Bael leaves, coconut, milk, honey, flowers, fruits, and water to Lord Shiva. The temple observes two fairs annually – Maha Shivratri (February-March) and Shivratri of Shravan (July-August).
How to Reach
Road: You can rent a car from Ram Jhula at Rishikesh (32 km) to reach Neelkanth Temple.
Train: Rishikesh is the nearest railhead for Neelkanth Temple. Board a public transport bus or cab to reach the temple.
Air: Land at Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun, and hire a cab to the temple, which is 49 kilometres away.
Things to Do
Prayer and Pooja: Take part in prayer (Aarti) and perform Abhishekam and Pooja to Lord Shiva. You can offer coconut, honey, milk, flowers, and fruits to the Lord. Hindu priests perform a significant Pooja to clear Doshas (faults) in the stars.
For early morning rituals, please go empty-stomach to partake in the sacrament.
Architecture: Intricate architecture and beautiful carvings visually treat onlookers. Pilgrims click pics and appreciate the design of the temple. Fine details have been executed without the use of technology.
The interior walls depict the tale of Samudra Manthan, commemorating Mahadev’s sacrifice for the welfare of the entire world. The main entrance has carvings of Dwarapalakas (Gatekeepers).
Take a bath: Hot springs in temple premises is where pilgrims come and take a bath before offering puja.
Buy yourself a memory: You can buy religious idols and accessories as souvenirs for your loved ones. Outside the temple, several stalls sell Pooja ingredients and memoirs.
Rishikul Yogshala: Numerous tourists visit this place to learn the nuances of Yoga. Chaukhamba point and Khirsu village are other scenic spots.
Trekking: Some devotees trek their way up the temple because the way to the temple is thrilling. Ram Jhula to the temple is a 22 kilometres trek for the trekkers.
Food: Tea stalls and roadside Dhabas are available around the temple, where you can halt for refreshments after the visit. You may head to Rishikesh for Indian, Chinese, Tibetan, or continental food for a wholesome meal.
Top Attractions around Temple
Parvati Temple: You have to climb 2 kilometers to reach the Parvati temple. This temple is perched on top of a high hill. There is a cave up the hill, and a temple lies there. This climb is tough, but the walk to the cave is easy.
Kandoliya Temple: Kandoliya is an ancient temple in Rishikesh in a serene ambiance.
Chaukhamba Viewpoint: You can take in the beauty of Rishikesh with your near and dear ones at this viewpoint.
Dhari Devi Temple: This ancient temple inspires enduring faith among pilgrims..
Peepal Tree: Peepal has a specific belief attached to it. Pilgrims wind threads around the trunk of the tree for getting their wishes fulfilled.
FAQs
What is the legend of Neelkanth Mahadev?
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is perched at Manikut Parvat in Rishikesh. At this place, Mahadev drank the poison emanated from the sea when God and Demons churned the ocean to obtain Amrit (elixir). This is why Lord Shiva is called Neelkanth because his throat turned blue after consuming poison.
Which are the attractions close to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?
The following attractions can be visited around the temple: (0.58 km) Creative Praveen – Day Tours (0.93 km) Wheelstreet (3.07 km) Vedalife (9.23 km) Khirsu (9.29 km) Dhari Devi Temple.
Which hotels can you stay near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?
.Hotels near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: (0.30 km) Mukkus Residency (0.39 km) GMVN Tourist Guest House (0.58 km) IvyTop Resort (0.89 km) IvyTop Resort (0.72 km) Hotel Ashirvaad.
What is the height of Neelkanth?
The temple is perched at the height of 1330 meters in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand in India.
Who constructed Neelkanth Mahadev?
A Mughal Ruler built this must-visit temple for his Hindu wife.
Can you hire Ola in Rishikesh?
Tourists have multiple options in Rishikesh to hire Ola cab, Meru cab, savaari taxi service to travel.
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