The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal district, approximately 32 kilometres from Rishikesh. Nellkanth Temple is a well-known pilgrimage site near Rishikesh, located above Swargashram and adjacent to the Nar Narayan mountain range. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and is a popular Hindu pilgrimage destination. It is surrounded by the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot, and Vishnukoot and sits at the confluence of the Pankaja and Madhumati rivers.

The presiding deity at Neelkanth Mahadev temple is Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, it was the location where Shiva drank the venom churned up by the ocean to save the world from evil, death, and destruction. It is said that Lord Shiva had the incredible ability to prevent the venom from entering his body and thus keep it in his throat indefinitely. The poison did not harm him, but it did turn his throat a dark blue.

Legend/Story of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh

According to Hindu sacred books, the current location of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is the holy site where Shiva consumed the poison that originated in the sea when Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) churned the ocean to obtain Amrita. This poison, which emanated during the Samudramanthan (ocean churning), turned his throat blue. Shiva is also known as Neelkanth, which translates to “The Blue Throated One.”

According to Shruti-Smriti Puran, Devas and Asuras churned the ocean to obtain Amruta. 14 ratnas were obtained, one of which was the “Kalkut” poison, capable of destroying the entire world. This was consumed by Lord Shiva, turning his throat blue. To counteract the effects of Kalkut poison, Lord Shiva meditated for 60 thousand years at the confluence of the Pankaja and Madhumati rivers, beneath the Panchpani tree, where the temple’s current Garbha Gruh is built. Following his penance, Lord Shiva installed the current “throat”-shaped shivling beneath the Panchpani tree.

History of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh

According to history, the ‘Neelkanth Mahadev Temple’ is the sacred location where Lord Shiva consumed the ocean’s venom. The temple was built to honour him. It is believed to have been built by the Garhwal kings in the 17th century.

The temple has ancient architecture and a beautiful complex that includes a single natural spring where devotees can take a holy bath before entering the temple grounds. The temple’s sanctum sanctorum contains a ‘Shiv Lingam’, which is the presiding deity’s phallic idol.

The architecture of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh

The temple has a gopura or shikhara, as do all Pandya (Tamil) temples, and it is raised high in a tiered pyramid style. These towers feature carved motifs and friezes. The temple’s shikhara features sculptures of various Devas and Asuras depicting the Samudramanthan.

Neelkanth Mahadev, in the form of Shivalinga, is the temple’s presiding deity. The temple complex also includes a natural spring where devotees typically take a holy bath before entering the premises, which are surrounded by dense forests.

The temple’s shikhara is adorned with exquisite and intricate sculptures of deities and living beings. These intricately carved sculptures depict the Samudramanthan, or churning of the ocean, a significant episode in Hindu history.

Facts about Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh

• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a sacred and famous Hindu temple about 32 kilometres from Rishikesh.
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, scenically situated on a hill at a height of 1330 meters, is one of Lord Shiva’s most popular temples.
• According to Hindu Sacred Books, the location got its name from the well-known story of Lord Shiva consuming poison. Because of the poison, his throat turned blue, so the name Neelkanth was appropriate for the site.
• Nellkanth Temple is a well-known pilgrimage site near Rishikesh, located above Swargashram and adjacent to the Nar Narayan mountain range.
• The walls of the temple depict the story of Samudra Manthan, which honours Mahadev’s sacrifice for the well-being of the entire world.
• There is also a sacred Peepal tree on the premises, which is associated with a particular belief. Pilgrims tie threads around the tree’s trunk and pray to have their wishes granted and their souls purified.
• In addition to the temple, there are several other attractions in and around the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Swami Vivekananda Park is a beautiful park near the temple with a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges.
• The Nilkanth Mahadev Temple is particularly well-known for its annual Maha Shivaratri celebration.

Famous Festivals In Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh

• Mahashivratri: Lord Shiva is the subject of this festival. Many devotees hold the belief that he is the Adi guru, the Yogi tradition’s founder. It is seen by recalling Shiva and reciting petitions, fasting, doing Yoga as well as thinking.
• Shravan Month – Lakhs of pilgrims visit this temple barefoot travelling about many kilometres and offering belpatra, water and milk to the bholenath ji.
• Dussehra: This significant Hindu festival commemorates the triumph of good over evil. Dussehra commemorates the day that Lord Ram brought prosperity and peace to the world by slaying Ravana. Devotees burn an effigy of Ravana as part of the ritual.

Best Time to Visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh

This place is heavenly and spiritual; you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How to Reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a sacred and famous temple located 32 km from Rishikesh.

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun. It is 49 kilometres away from the Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to the temple is Rishikesh, which is nearly 30 kilometres away. To get to the temple, you can take a public bus or a taxi.

By Road: The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is easily accessible via road. It is 25 kilometres away from Rishikesh. There are two ways to get to this temple. The first is from the Badrinath Highway and the Neelkanth Bridge, which is 7 kilometres from Lakshman Jhula, and the second is from a bridge near AIIMS and then through the Swargashram area. You can hire a local taxi/auto to reach the temple.

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