RISHIKESH NEELKANTH
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a
Hindu temple dedicated to Nilkanth (Lord Shiva). The temple is situated at a
height of 1330 meters and is located about 32 km from Rishikesh. 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 sikhra 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.
The sikhra 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.
According to Hindu mythology it was the place where Shiva drank up the venom
(poison Halahala, 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 2kms. 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.
Places to Visit in Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
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.
Things to do in Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
How to Reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Its only 65km far from Haridwar, 30 km from Rishikesh, 260 km from Delhi, 60 km
from Dehradun, 40 km from Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, 100 km from Mussoorie.
You can go by taxi, by bus & by your private vehicles.