Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a sacred and famous hindu temple located at 32 km from Rishikesh that is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple sits in the laps of Manikoot, Vishnukoot and Brahmakoot hills. It is at the point of meet of the rivers, Pankaja and Madhumati.
The temple extends its land to the sacred Shivalingam that sits inside the temple at all its glory. Adorned with the flowers and offerings made by the devotees, the Shivalingam inside the temple is the worshipped site.
However, there is a Peepal tree right outside the Shivalingam site, expected to be ages old. And the tree is also believed to be the one under which Lord Shiva meditated to lessen the burn from the poison.
After that, he left for Kailash. Moreover, statues of other gods and goddesses are also placed inside.
Quick Facts
- Address: 38JR+79V, Kotdwar – Pauri Rd, Kotdwar, Uttarakhand 246149
- District: Pauri Garhwal
- Deity: Form of Shiva
- Festival: Maha Shivratri, Kanwar Yatra of Shravan month
- Entry Fee: Nil
- Temple Timings : 6 AM – 11 PM
- Time Required : 1 hour
- Best Time to Visit: July to August
- Photography: Not allowed inside
- Altitude: 1300 meters above sea level
History of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
The sacred pilgrim spot of the Hindus and the revered holy shrine visited by thousands of pilgrims, the Neelkanth Mahadev temple is located on a hill above the Swarg Ashram in Haridwar.
The temple is fondly dedicated to Lord Shiva who was considered the most convoluted and authoritative of all gods in the Hindu Pantheon. The construction and placement of the temple have a different story to tell.
The history of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple dates back to the mythological occurrence of the episode of Samudra Manthan. Lord Shiva drank the poison which appeared as a result of the churning of the ocean or the ‘Sagar Manthan’.
The premise of the temple is touted to be the same place where this incident occurred. When the Lord drank the poison, his throat became blue. This is the reason why the temple is also known as ‘Neelkanth” which means ‘Blue Throat’.
The main temple has a Shiva Lingam and the aura surrounding the temple is ethereal and subtle. Devotees also get Prasad offerings from the temple along with Vibhuti and Chandan.
The temple also observes two fairs annually, one on the occasion of Shivratri and the other between July and August in the month of Shrawan. During this time, devotees consider it their privilege and good luck to be a part of the celebrations and Pooja.
How To Reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is located at about 49 km from the temple.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh which 32 km away from the temple. Buses and private cabs ae available from Rishikesh.
By Road
Buses are available to Rishikesh from major cities. Then, one can hire a taxi or avail a bus from Rishikesh to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
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