Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (
Hindi: नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर) is a
Hindu temple dedicated to
Nilkanth (
Lord Shiva). The temple is situated at a height of 1330 meters and is located about 32 kms from
Rishikesh in the Pauri Garhwal district of
Uttarakhand.
The Temple is one of the most revered holy shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site. It is surrounded by dense forests and is adjacent to the mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan. It is enveloped between the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot and Vishnukoot and is located at the confluence of the rivers Pankaja and Madhumati.
LegendAccording to
Hindu mythology, the place where the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple currently stands is the sacred location where
Lord Shiva consumed the poison
Halahala that originated from the sea when
Devas (Gods) and
Asuras (Demons) churned the sea in order to obtain
Amrita. The poison emanated during the
Samudramanthan (churning of ocean) made his throat blue in color. Thus,
Lord Shiva is also known as
Nilkanth, literally meaning
The Blue Throated One.
The Temple The
sikhara of the temple is adorned with sculptures of various Devas and Asuras depicting the
Samudramanthan.
Neelkanth Mahadev in the form of
Shivalinga is the presiding deity of the temple. The temple complex also has a natural spring where devotees usually take a holy bath before entering the premises of the temple. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is situated about 22 kms from Swarg ashram and the trekkable road to the temple is surrounded by dense forests.
FestivalsMaha Shivaratri is the most prominent festival celebrated in the temple and lots of devotees flock to the temple during the festival. The devotees who pay a visit to Neelkanth Mahadev make an offering of
Bael leaves, coconut, flowers, milk, honey, fruits and water to the Lord Shiva. The temple observes two fairs that are held annually on the occasions of Maha Shivratri (Feb-Mar) and Shivratri of
Shraavana (month of
Hindu calendar) (July-Aug) during which the devotees (Kawarias) trek from
Haridwar to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple