Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva surrounded by lush green hills and rivers. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is surrounded by the Nar Narayan hills of the Himalayas and the valleys of Manikoot, Brahma Koot and Vishnukoot.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is situated at the confluence of Pankaja and Madhumati rivers. This is a al temple of high importance for devotees of Lord Shiva at a distance of about 30 km from Rishikesh. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is very important religiously and mythologically. This temple is one of the most famous religious places of Rishikesh.
Rishikesh is called the land of sages. It is said that many world famous sages have done penance here from time to time. Rishikesh is known for its many ancient temples and other religious sites. Among all these attractions of Rishikesh, there is a special temple of Lord Shiva, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is also often called Neelkanth and every year a large number of devotees from all over the country and abroad come to visit this temple.
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Neelkanth Mahadev, meaning !
In Hindu religion, Lord Shiva has been called Adipurush and Adiyogi. Lord Shiva is also known as Mahadev, Lord of gods, Pashupati, Rudra, Ardhanarishwar and many more names. Neelkanth is also one of these names. According to old scriptures, the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is situated at the same place where thousands of years ago Lord Shiva drank the poison that came out of the churning of the ocean. The gods and demons prayed to Lord Shiva to drink the poison that came out of the churning of the ocean, and that is why Lord Shiva drank the poison. Due to the effect of this poison, his throat turned blue. Blue color is called "Neel" in Hindi.
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Throat is called Kantha in Sanskrit and Hindi language. Since then Lord Shiva was called Neelkanth because of having a blue throat. That is why this temple of Lord Shiva is known as Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Neelkanth means one who has blue throat.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Architecture
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is built in the Dravidian style of South India. The spire of the temple portrays the story of the churning of the ocean, along with images of other Hindu gods and goddesses inscribed on the spire of the temple. A spring of pure sweet water flows in the temple premises where devotees first take a bath and then have darshan of the Shivling installed in the temple. A Shivling dedicated to Lord Shiva is installed in the temple, for which devotees come from all over the country to worship and see.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Festivals
Mahashivaratri is celebrated like a festival in all the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the Neelkanth Mahadev temple complex also a big festival is organized on Mahashivratri. Special prayers and rituals are performed on the day of Mahashivratri. Devotees come here in large numbers to participate in the festival of Mahashivaratri. Similarly, a festival is organized in this temple on Shivratri which falls in the month of Sawan (July / August).
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On Shivratri that falls in the month of July / August, devotees carry water from river Ganga from Haridwar to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and perform Jalabhishek of the Shivling installed in the temple with the same water.
Best time to Visit Neelkanth Temple, RIshikesh
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is open for darshan throughout the year so you can visit whenever you want. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is situated in the hills of Rishikesh, hence the weather here is pleasant throughout the year. A large number of people come here from April to June. There is a large number of devotees during the Shivaratri of Sawan in July and August. There are fewer tourists in winter than in summer.
How to reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh
By Flight
The nearest airport to reach the Neelkanth Mahadev temple is Dehradun airport. Distance from Dehradun to Rishikesh is only 35 km. After reaching Dehradun one can reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple via Rishikesh by road. For this you can take a taxi from Dehradun.
By Train
To reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple by train, nearest railway station to reach the temple is Rishikesh which is well connected to the rail network of India.
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By Road
One can also reach Rishikesh by road. From Rishikesh to Neelkanth Temple by bus or taxi. The hilly road leading to Neelkanth is an easy drive and if you want to reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in your car, you can also drive easily.
Other Activities for Tourists
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is situated at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level. The roadway from Rishikesh to Neelkanth is very beautiful . Devotees also walk to Neelkanth for religious purpose. Tourists coming to Rishikesh also trek from Rishikesh to Neelkanth. If you want to go cycling on the mountain roads here, then travel agencies can help to book the trip. While planning Rishikesh trip or even after reaching there, you can contact the travel agency and plan adventure sports activities for yourself.
Visit Rishikesh Tourist Places and Attractions !
Rishikesh is one of the most famous tourist places in Uttarakhand. It takes 1 to 2 hours to reach Neelkanth from main bus stand of Rishikesh. If you come to visit the temple on Mahashivratri or Sawan's Shivratri, it may take about half a day or more due to the presence of a large number of devotees at that time.
Tourists can plan a trip of 3 to 4 days to see Rishikesh and its surrounding places properly and spend time here. Apart from temples and ashrams, adventure sports activities can also be done in Rishikesh.
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Some of the activities that can be done in Rishikesh are bungee jumping, river rafting, cliff jumping, mountain biking, camping and trekking.
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