Neelkanth Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most sacred place of worship for the Hindus. It is located on a hill above Swargashram in Rishikesh. Neelkanth Mahadev temple is situated at a distance of 32 km from Rishikesh in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. It is surrounded by dense forests and is adjacent to the mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan. It is encircled by the hills of Manikoot, Vishnukoot and Brahmakoot and positioned at the union of Madhumati and Pankaja rivers. Clustered among the snow-capped mountains, dense forests and beautiful rivers this sacred temple attracts pilgrims and tourists from far and wide.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple - Legend
According to the mythological stories, during the churning of the ocean-Samudra Manthan, there came out a poison called-Halahal. The venom was so powerful that it could annihilate mankind. The gods became scared because this blue drink could destroy creation. They all got together and prayed to the powerful Shiva to help him them. Shiva gulped the entire poison. But, he did not swallow it. He kept the poison in his throat. Since then, Shiva's throat became blue, and he became known as Neelkanth or the blue-throated one. Neel defines the colour blue, Kanth is throat. This place is said to have been the same place, where Lord Shiva drank the poison. He mediated here for several years and annihilated the effects of the poison. It is believed that Goddess Parvati and other deities in Hindu pantheon had darshan of Shiva here. The peepal tree or Vat vriksh under which Shiva meditated can be still seen here.
Neelkanth Temple Architecture
The temple has a beautiful complex and the exterior of the temple has beautiful ancient architecture. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple has a gopuram typically found in South India temples. The gopuram depicts the entire Samudra Manthan episode. The entire Samundra Manthan has been depicted with colourful idols of Gods and Goddess. A life-sized idol of goddess Parvati is seated near the entrance. The main idol worshipped here is the Shivling. Opposite to the lingam is present Lord Shiva's mount Nandi, the bull. The lingam is encased in silver and it has an opening at the top to see the original form. The temple complex has also got one natural spring where devotees usually take a holy bath. Devotees who pay a visit to the temple make an offering of coconut, flowers, milk, honey, fruits and water to the Lord. Devotees are offered vibhuti (ashes), chandan (sandalwood) and other holy items in form of Prasad.
Two fairs that are held annually on the occasion of Shivaratri (Feb-Mar) and Shivaratri of Shravan (July-August) are very popular here. At that time, the temple is thronged by thousands of pilgrims.
How to reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
The nearest airport to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is Dehradun. The nearest station to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is Rishikesh. One can easily reach Neelkanth Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring Taxis from Haridwar. There are regular taxis available from Ganga Ghat in Rishikesh. A drive of 32 km. from Rishikesh via Barrage or an alternate route of 22 km. via Ram Jhoola can get you there. The drive along the narrow steep road is quite exhilarating as on one side there is the mountain terrain and on the other side there is steep drop into the fast flowing Ganges.