Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Located at an altitude of 1675 m on the hilltop of Swarg Ashram, is the shrine of Neelkanth Mahadev. The Neelkanth Mahadev temple is considered to be one of the most famous temples of Rishikesh. With temples at almost every fold of the Himalayan Range, Hindu mythology is closely associated with most of these temples.

The temple of Neelkanth Mahadev is associated with Lord Shiva, and he is the presiding deity. According to Hindu mythology it was the place where Shiva drank up the venom churned out of the ocean, to save the world from the evil, death and destruction. It is said that Lord Shiva had the immense capacity to stop the venom from entering his body and thus reserved it in his throat forever. The poison did not harm him but turned his throat murky blue.

The temple of Neelkanth Mahadev is situated at a distance of 12 km from Rishikesh among the snowcapped mountains and forests. Rishikesh holds immense importance in the religious lives of devout Hindus. 32 km. from Rishikesh, the Neelkanth temple has mythological significance as well as picturesque surroundings.

Must Read: Lord Shiva Avatars

Legend of Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir :

According to Hindu mythology it was the place where Shiva drank up the venom (which emanated during the ‘ Samudra Manthan’) churned out of the ocean, to save the world from the evil, death and destruction. It is said that Lord Shiva had the immense capacity to stop the venom from entering his body and thus reserved it in his throat forever. The poison did not harm him but turned his throat murky blue, thus giving Shiva the name of Neelkanth. It is believed that the event occurred here in this place where the temple is located.

The temple of Neelkanth Mahadev is situated at a distance of 12 km from Rishikesh among the snow capped mountains and forests. Rishikesh holds immense importance in the religious lives of devout Hindus.

Neelkanth Mahadev temple holds two fairs; one during the occasion of Shivratri and another in the month of Shravan (July-August). Thousands of devotees throng during Shivratri. From the Neela Kantha temple you can climb 2 kms. to the Parvati temple, located on top of a high hill. Another 2 kms. further up the hill is a Cave (gufa), where there is a small temple. There are good views along the way. It is a fairly hard climb to the Parvati temple and a fairly easy walk to the cave.

The story behind the ancient temple:

Neelkanth Mahadev Ttmple, an ancient place which is located at the Manikut Parvat in Rishikesh. As per Mythological texts, the place is where Mahadev consumed the poison that originated from the sea when God (Devas) and Demons (Asuras) churned the ocean in order to get Amrita. This poison that emanated during the “Samudra Manthan” made his throat blue in colour. This is how he is known as Neelkanth.

However, the story also suggests that while he was in deep meditation and was away from Khailash parvat, Goddess Parvati came looking for Lord Shiva in Manikut. On her request, Lord Shiva agreed to go back to Kailash but before leaving he installed a symbolic ‘Shivaling’ at the site where he meditated. This place is named after that ‘NeelKanth Mahadev Temple’ where worshipers and devotees come to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Every year in the holy month of Shravan, devotees walk the 17 km path to reach the temple of Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.

Technological aspects of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:

There are a lot of Neelkanth temples but here we are taking the Udaipur temple which is an example of how advanced technology was in the 11th Century. Every year over 24 hours on the Shiva’s day Mahashivratri, one lakh devotees offer 30 to 40 litres of water on the Shivling which is installed in the temple but nobody knows where the water goes into the ground.

A thousand years ago, the drainage system for drainage was scientifically designed. This water reaches the ground directly via a secret canal. This temple was built in the 10th century by King Bhoj’s nephew Udayaditya between 1116 to 1137. The construction took 21 years to get completed. This is located in the foothills of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple hills. The height of this temple is 51 feet and has stone crossings. The temple has pictures of Hindu Gods from bottom to top.

Attractions

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a known pilgrimage site which attracts high number of visitors each year. Following are few of the main attractions of the temple:

• The main shrine of Lord Shiva, which is adorn with intricate carvings and sculptures.
• The holy pond is another one it is where devotees take a dip to clean them before entering of the temple.
• The bazaar, where visitors can buy offerings and souvenirs.
• The smaller shrines dedicated to various deities which includes Lord Hanuman and Goddess Parvati.
• The trek to the temple provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
• The annual Shivratri festival, which is celebrat with great enthusiasm and devotion.

About

A Hindu temple locate in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal district, Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir is dedicat to Shiva. Located in the dense forests of the Swargrohini mountain, it is at a height of 1330 meters above sea level.

The temple is dedicat to Lord Shiva and is consider to be one of the most sacred shrines in India. According to Hindu mythology, it is assum that Lord Shiva consum the poison that emerg during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) at this very spot. Which turn his throat blue. Therefore Lord Shiva is also calle as Neelkanth which means someone with the blue throat.

The temple complex includes various other smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, a holy pond, and a bazaar where devotees can buy offerings and souvenirs. The trek to the temple is consider to be challenging but rewarding, as it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Neelkanth Mahadev temple is also famous for its architectural beauty and intricate carvings. The walls of the temple are adorn with sculptures and paintings depicting various stories and legends from Hindu mythology. All the Visitors are advic to dress modestly and follow the customs and traditions of the temple.

Best Time

The best time to visit Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir is between February and June, and September and November. During this time, the weather is pleasant, as well as the temperatures are moderate, making it ideal for sightseeing and temple visits.

The monsoon season in Uttarakhand lasts from July to August, and heavy rains can cause landslides and flooding. Making it difficult to visit the temple. The winter season lasts from December to January, and the temperatures can drop below freezing. Making it uncomfortable for visitors who are not accustom to cold weather. Overall, the best time to visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant, and the temple is less crowded.

How to Reach the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:

This place is situat 32 km from Rishikesh which goes via Barrage and 22 km from Ram Jhoola. This place has numerous religious monuments, mythological significance and beautiful surroundings.

At 926 meters, there are three exemplary valleys which are Vishnukoot, Brahmakoot and Manikoot and on the meeting point off Madhumati and Pankaja rivers awaits Neelkanth Mahadev. NeelKanth Mahadev is 22 km from Swargashram. A 12 km road is surround by a dense forest.

Places nearby Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located by the natural beauty of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. Following are few of the known places to visit near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:

• Rishikesh– Neelkanth Mahadev Temple distance from rishikesh is approximately 30 kilometers, a popular tourist destination in Uttarakhand, India.
• Haridwar – The Distance between haridwar to neelkanth mahadev temple is about 50 km away from the temple. Haridwar is famous for its Ganga Aarti and Har Ki Pauri.
• Rajaji National Park – A wildlife sanctuary which is located about 70 km. Away from the temple, famous for its elephants, tigers, and leopards.
• Dehradun – The capital city of Uttarakhand, dehradun to neelkanth mahdev temple is 59 km away from the temple.
• Mussoorie – Mussorie is a famous hill station located about 90 km away from the temple. Known for its natural beauty and colonial architecture.

Also Read: Har Ki Pauri

Conclusion

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple stands as a testament to both spiritual devotion and architectural marvel. Situated amidst the serene landscapes of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. This sacred shrine holds deep mythological significance, portraying Lord Shiva’s benevolence and sacrifice. The legend of Lord Shiva consuming poison to save the world from evil resonates within its walls, drawing thousands of devotees annually. Especially during the auspicious occasions of Shivratri and Shravan. Beyond its religious importance, the temple’s technological ingenuity, showcased in its ancient drainage system, continues to astonish visitors. Moreover, its surroundings offer not only a spiritual retreat but also breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. With nearby attractions like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Rajaji National Park. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple stands as a beacon of faith and natural beauty. Inviting pilgrims and tourists alike to seek solace and enlightenment.