The famous Shiva temple in Rishikesh, known as Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, is renowned for many things. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple timings are from 5.00 AM to 6.00 PM.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Overview:
Contents
- 1 Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Overview:
- 1.0.1 History of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
- 1.0.2 Timings of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
- 1.0.3 Festivals:
- 1.0.4 Facts about Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
- 1.0.5 Tips for Visiting Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
- 1.0.6 Things to do in Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
- 1.0.7 Best time to visit:
- 1.0.8 Places to visit near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
- 1.0.9 Hotels nearby Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
- 1.0.10 Address:
- 1.0.11 How to reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?
- 1.0.12 FAQs:
- 1.1 Which is the famous God in Rishikesh?
- 1.2 How is the road from Rishikesh to Neelkanth?
- 1.3 What is the best time for Neelkanth Temple
- 1.4 Why is Neelkanth Mahadev Temple famous?
The follies and enchantments of the pleasant city are among the oldest of all the stories and important events of Hindu mythology.
Located 32 km from Rishikesh, this Temple is a sacred pilgrimage site. Between Manikoot, Brahmakoot, and Vishnukoot valleys lie the abode of Lord Shiva at an altitude of 1330 meters.
Dense forests and the rugged mountain range of Nar-Narayan at the confluence of the Pankaja and Madhumati rivers surround the Temple.
During the months of Shravan and Shivratri, many devotees decorate this place and show devotion to the mighty Lord Shiva.
The exquisite architecture of the Temple will leave you in awe as fine details had executed without the use of technology.
Outside the Temple, you can find many stalls stocking souvenirs and pooja materials. The way up to the Temple is thrilling, so visitors prefer to trek to the top of the Temple.
There is a natural spring inside the Temple where devotees usually bathe. People can offer the Lord coconut, milk, honey, flowers, and fruits.
This ancient Shiva temple is a must not only for the spiritual story it contains but also for the breathtaking views of mountains and valleys that it presents while you are here.
History of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
A sacred shrine for Hindus and visited by thousands of pilgrims, the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located on a hill above the Swarg Ashram in Haridwar. This Temple had dedicated to Lord Shiva, the most convoluted and influential Hindu Gods.
There is a different story about the construction and location of the Temple. According to popular legend, Lord Shiva drank the poison that appeared due to the churning of the ocean or ‘Sagar Manthan’.
It had spread that the temple precinct was at the place where this incident took place. When the Lord drank the poison, his throat became blue. This Temple is known as ‘Neelkantham’, which means ‘Blue Throat’.
The main Temple has a Shiva Lingam, and the illumination around the Temple is very subtle. Devotees also get Prasada from the Temple, along with vibhuti and sandalwood.
Timings of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
The visiting time for the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is between 5.00 am to 6.00 pm.
Fee: No fee is required to enter the premises. The Pooja or donation charges are different according to what the visitor needs.
| Day | Timings |
| Monday | 5.00 am to 6.00 pm |
| Tuesday | 5.00 am to 6.00 pm |
| Wednesday | 5.00 am to 6.00 pm |
| Thursday | 5.00 am to 6.00 pm |
| Friday | 5.00 am to 6.00 pm |
| Saturday | 5.00 am to 6.00 pm |
| Sunday | 5.00 am to 6.00 pm |
Festivals:
Two festivals are held annually in the Temple, one on the occasion of Shivaratri and the other in the month of Shravan between July and August. During this time, devotees consider it their luck and fortune to participate in the celebrations and pujas.
Facts about Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
- The Temple has many interesting facts, making it an intriguing place full of mystical stories.
- According to Hindu mythology, the region got its name because of the famous story of Lord Shiva consuming poison.
- As a result of taking the poison, his throat turned blue; Hence the name Nilakanthu is apt for the area.
- Inside the Temple, the walls depict the story of Samudra Manthan, honouring Mahadeva’s sacrifice for the entire world’s welfare.
- There is also a sacred peepal tree on the premises, which has a particular belief.
- Pilgrims tie threads around tree trunks and pray for their wishes to fulfil and their souls to be purified.
Tips for Visiting Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
- The best time to enjoy devotees’ celebrations is during July and August, as well as during Shivratri – the night of Lord Shiva.
- If you cannot visit the Temple during this time, we recommend you visit here between October and March and avoid the rainy season.
- If you are interested in performing the morning rites, you should have an empty stomach to participate in the sacrament.
- It would be best if you also did your homework before visiting the Temple.
- All the stories and legends surrounding the Temple will help you understand the architecture and wall sculptures made inside the Temple.
- Professional guides are unavailable here, so we recommend you take a guide from a professional agency that supplies them.
Things to do in Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
Prayer and Pooja:
Offer your prayers and engage in devotional pooja to Lord Shiva, who had proclaimed the creator of the universe.
Admire the architecture:
The Temple’s beautiful carvings and intricate architecture should be admired and loved. People often come to see for themselves and click pictures of the Temple and its architecture.
Bathe:
If you want to bask in the celestial aura of the Temple, remember to bathe in the naturally occurring hot springs within the temple premises.
Buy yourself a souvenir:
You can buy idols and Shiva accessories for yourself and your loved ones from the various stalls outside the Temple.
Visit various places close to the Temple:
Rishikesh is all about adventure and purity. The aura of this place is one of its kind and worthy of its name; It has many places worth visiting. Rishikula Yogashala has cut status as a place to teach yoga. Many tourists come here to learn the nuances of the art. You will also enjoy the scenic spots of Khirsu village at Garhwal Hills and the picturesque views at Chowkamba Point Store.
Best time to visit:
The Temple is open throughout the year, and thousands of pilgrims visit the Lord. The best time to see the Temple is during Shravan and Shivratri.
The celebrations include dazzling performances, music, elaborate pooja, and flowers and lights decorating the entire Temple.
Places to visit near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
Sri Sacha Akhileshwara Mahadev Temple:
Another beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, tourists come here to find inner peace and tranquillity. You can also do abhishek with a minimal donation.
Tera Manzil Temple:
It is a landmark in Rishikesh near Laxman Jhula. According to Hindu scriptures, the Temple’s uniqueness lies in the presence of 13 floors that house all the Hindu Gods. Laxman Jhula had displayed from the 13th floor, and the view of Rishikesh town and jhula takes you away.
Prakriti Vedic Spa:
To add to your relaxation, you can also visit the Prakriti Vedic Spa and get a massage by an expert masseuse. Interiors are calm, and therapists know the pressure to apply. Hot Ayurvedic oils, combined with professional relaxing massages, make the spa a must-see.
Scorpion Handicrafts:
For all handicraft lovers, this place represents some fantastic collections of trousers, shawls and dresses apart from the various handicrafts available here. Once you reach here, you will be more and more likely to spend more because of the definitive collection on display here.
Tattva Ayurveda Centre:
Also, another place for a relaxing massage is Tattva Ayurveda Centre. The treatments and therapies here are inspired by Tattva, the five elements of the body. The wellness therapies are designed around five essential elements and provide visitors with a soothing experience.
Geethabhavan:
Evenings at the Geethabhavan temple are windy and overcast. Combined with the scenery of the flowing river, Geetha Bhavan is a peaceful abode where you can sit quietly for hours.
The desi ghee sweets here had sold like hot cakes and ayurvedic oils made with natural herbs and aromatic plants.
Hotels nearby Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
- Red Fox Hotel, Neelkanth
- The Yakshaa Neelkanth
- Zostel Plus Rishikesh (Mohanchatti)
- The Mountain View
Address:
Pauri Road, Kotdwar, and Uttarakhand – 246149
How to reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?
Neelkanth Temple is an accessible place near Rishikesh at a distance of 32 km. You can reach the Temple via Rishikesh, the easiest way to get here without delay.
By Road:
The road networks and their conditions are good, which makes road driving easy and quick. The well-connected roads can be used by renting or hiring a car from Ram Jula.
By Rail:
The nearest railway head to the Temple is Rishikesh Railway Station, about 30 km away. You can hire a public transport bus or cab to reach the Temple.
By Air:
If you want to come closer to the Temple by air, we suggest taking a cab from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, which is 49 km away.
FAQs:
Which is the famous God in Rishikesh?
Neelkanth Mahadev mandir is one of the most renowned religious places in Rishikesh. As Nilakantham is another name for Lord Shiva, this Temple had dedicated to Lord Shiva.
How is the road from Rishikesh to Neelkanth?
Neelkanth Temple has located 20 km from Rishikesh city centre. Going up could be better due to damaged roads, but larger vehicles can reach the hill (a Toyota Fortuner spot on the way).
What is the best time for Neelkanth Temple
Best to call during morning and evening arati.
Why is Neelkanth Mahadev Temple famous?
According to Hindu mythology, the present site of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple was the holy place where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that emerged from the ocean when the gods and demons churned the sea to obtain amrita.