Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva's aspect Nilkanth. The temple located 32 kilometres from Rishikesh in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India, at a height of 1330 metres. The Dravidian style of temple architecture has had a significant influence on the temple architecture. The temple is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site and one of the most respected holy shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is surrounded by lush forests and is close to the Nar-Narayan mountain ranges. It is situated near the junction of the rivers Pankaja and Madhumati, and is surrounded by the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot, and Vishnukoot

 Kotdwar – Pauri Road, Kotdwar, and Uttarakhand – 246149


The Neelkanth Mahadev temple, a Hindu pilgrimage destination and venerated holy shrine frequented by millions of visitors, is located on a hill above the Swarg Ashram in Haridwar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who was thought to be the most complex and powerful of all the gods in the Hindu pantheon. The temple's construction and placement have a different stories to share. Lord Shiva, according to popular mythology, consumed the poison that appeared as a result of the ocean churning, or the ‘Sagar Manthan.' The temple's premise is said to be the same location where the incident occurred. The Lord's throat turned blue after he took the poison. This is why the temple is also known as "Neelkanth," which translates to "Blue Throat." A Shiva Lingam may be found in the main temple, and the aura that surrounds it is ethereal and gentle. The temple also provides Prasad, as well as Vibhuti and Chandan, to devotees. The temple also holds two annual fairs, one during Shivratri and the other during the month of Shrawan, between July and August. Devotees consider it an honour and good luck to be a part of the celebrations and Pooja on this occasion.

  Kotdwar – Pauri Road, Kotdwar, and Uttarakhand – 246149


Architecture

The architecture of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is magnificent. The exact event of the Samudra Manthan between the Gods and Demons is sculpted on the temple's entrance door. The full narrative has been depicted on the temple walls. The holy Lord Shiva, in the form of a Shiva Linga, resides within the inner complex (phallic form of the Lord). Before entering the temple grounds, worshipers bathe in a natural spring located within the temple compound.
The temple has a Gopura, or shikhara, in the form of any Dravidian temple, and is built in a pyramid design with tiers. These towers contain Motifs and Friezes engraved into them. Sculptures of various Devas and Asuras representing the Samudramanthan adorn the temple's shikhara. The temple's principal deity is Neelkanth Mahadev, who takes the form of Shivalinga. The temple complex also contains a natural spring where visitors can take a holy bath before entering the temple grounds, which are encircled by deep woodlands.

Things to do in Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

There aren't many things visitors can do in the temple, however, there are a few things listed below that they can do while there.
1. Prayer and Pooja: Offer people prayers and perform devotional Pooja to Lord Shiva, who is revered as the universe's creator.
2. Admire the building: The temple's unique architecture and gorgeous carvings must be admired and appreciated. People frequently visit the temple to indulge their senses and take photographs of the temple and its structure.
3. Take a bath: If visitors wish to unwind and immerse themselves in the temple's celestial atmosphere, they should take a bath in the temple's natural hot springs.
4.Buythemselves a memory: From the various stalls stationed outside the temple, visitors can buy idols and Shiva accessories for tourists and their loved ones. 
5. Visit various places located close to the temple: Rishikesh is about adventure and purity. The aura of this place is one of its kind and true to its name; it has several places that can be visited. Likewise, Near the Neelkanth temple are several places where visitors can get the calm and serenity they have been looking for.

4.Buythemselves a memory: From the various stalls stationed outside the temple, visitors can buy idols and Shiva accessories for tourists and their loved ones. 
5. Visit various places located close to the temple: Rishikesh is about adventure and purity. The aura of this place is one of its kind and true to its name; it has several places that can be visited. Likewise, Near the Neelkanth temple are several places where visitors can get the calm and serenity they have been looking for.
4.Buythemselves a memory: From the various stalls stationed outside the temple, visitors can buy idols and Shiva accessories for tourists and their loved ones. 
5. Visit various places located close to the temple: Rishikesh is about adventure and purity. The aura of this place is one of its kind and true to its name; it has several places that can be visited. Likewise, Near the Neelkanth temple are several places where visitors can get the calm and serenity they have been looking for.
The RishikulYogshala has a level of qualifications as a Training institute. Several tourists come to learn about the complexities of the art. The scenic places of Khirsu hamlet in the Garhwal Hills will also appeal to visitors, as will the magnificent views that the Chaukhamba point has to provide.

Deity

Neelkanth(Shiva)



Religious Activities

 

 

Daily Routine

 Visit the temple between the hours of 5.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m.


Celebration/Festivals

Maha Shivaratri is the temple's most important event, and many worshippers flock to the memorial at this time. Devotees who come to Neelkanth Mahadev make an offering to Lord Shiva of Bael leaves, coconut, flowers, milk, honey, fruits, and water. The temple holds two yearly fairs: MahaShivratri (February-March) and Shivratri of Shraavana (Hindu calendar month) (July-August), during which worshippers (Kawarias) journey from Haridwar to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.

Visitor Guide

Rishikesh, 32 kilometres away, is the closest accessible location from Neelkanth temple. Tourists can go to the temple via Rishikesh, which is the quickest and most direct route.

ROADWAYS: 

The road networks and conditions are excellent, making driving easy and speedy. By hiring or renting a car from Ram Jhula, visitors may access the well-connected roadways.

RAILWAYS: 

Rishikesh railway station, which is about 30 kilometres away, is the closest train station to the temple. To get to the temple, visitors can use a public bus or a taxi.

AIRWAYS: 

If visitors wish to go the closest to the temple by aircraft, they should take a cab from Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport, which is 49 kilometres long.

Nearby Temples

Nearby Tourist Places

One of Rishikesh's most popular attractions is the famed Laxman Jhula. Other prominent attractions can be accessed from the Jhula, including the Neelkanth Mahadev temple, which is nearby.
 
1.       Shri SachchaAkhileshwar Mahadev Temple: Another gorgeous Shiva temple, people visit here to find inner peace and harmony. Visitors can also do an Abhishek for a minimal charge.
 
2.        Tera Manzil Temple: Located near the Laxman Jhula, this is a popular tourist destination in Rishikesh. The temple's distinctiveness rests in its 13 storeys, which house all Hindu Gods according to Hindu texts. The Laxman Jhula can be seen from the 13th floor, and the view of Rishikesh and the Jhula will take your breath away.
 
3.        Prakriti Vedic Spa: They can add to their relaxation by visiting the Prakriti Vedic spa and getting a massage from a professional therapist. The therapists are well-versed in the pressure that has to be administered, and the interiors are soothing. The spa is unmissable, with hot Ayurvedic oils coupled with skilled calming massages.
 
4.       Scorpion Handicrafts: For all handicraft lovers, this place represents some of the most beautiful collections of pants, shawls, and gowns, as well as a wide range of other handicrafts. Because of the colourful collection on display, visitors will wind up staying longer and spending more money.
5.       Tattva Ayurvedic Centre: The Tattva Ayurvedic Center is another option for a soothing massage. The Tattva, or five aspects of the body, are the inspiration for the treatments and therapies offered here. The wellness therapies are designed on the five key principles and provide guests a relaxing experience.
6.       Gita Bhavan: The Gita Bhavan temple is windy and blustery in the evenings. Gita Bhavan is a quiet refuge where guests can sit in peace for hours, thanks to the views of the river flowing past. The desi Ghee sweets available here, as well as Ayurvedic oils made from natural herbs and aromatic plants, sell like hotcakes.

Bharat Mandir Rishikesh

Located in the heart of the city, Bharat Mandir is an ancient temple sacred to Lord Hrishikesh Narayan, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Kaliyuga. The temple sanctum houses a well-crafted idol of Lord Vishnu, which is carved out of a single black stone, known as Saligram. Legend has it that the idol of the temple was reinstalled in 789 AD on the day of Basant Panchmi.