- Location: The popular place of worship is located 32 km from Rishikesh in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The complete address for the location is Kotdwar – Pauri Road, Kotdwar, and Uttarakhand – 246149.
- Timings: The visiting time for the 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 requires.
Places to Visit Near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
1. Shri Sachcha Akhileshwar Mahadev Temple: Another beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, tourists come here to discover inner peace and tranquility. You can also do an Abhishek in a minimal donation.
2. Tera Manzil Temple: This is a landmark location in Rishikesh near the Laxman Jhula. The uniqueness of the temple lies in the presence of 13 floors which houses all Hindu Gods as per the Hindu scriptures. Laxman Jhula is visible from the 13th floor and the sight of the town of Rishikesh and the Jhula will sway you away.
3. Prakriti Vedic Spa: To add to your relaxation you can also visit the Prakriti Vedic spa and get a massage done by an expert masseuse. The interiors are calming and the therapists are well-versed with the pressure that needs to be applied. Hot Ayurvedic oils combined with professional relaxing massages, the spa is unmissable.
4. Scorpion Handicrafts: For all the handicraft lovers, this place signifies some of the most stunning collections of pants, shawls, and dresses apart from varieties of handicrafts available here. Once you are here you will end up staying more and spending more because of the vivacious collection on display here.
5. Tattva Ayurvedic Centre: Yet, another place for a relaxing massage is the Tattva Ayurvedic center. The treatments and therapies here are inspired by Tattva which are the five elements of the body. The wellness therapies are ideated around the 5 important elements and provide a soothing experience to the visitors.
6. Gita Bhavan: Evenings at the Gita Bhavan temple are breezy and blustery. In combination with the views of the river flowing by, Gita Bhavan is a peaceful abode where you can sit in silence for hours. The desi Ghee sweets available here sell like hot cakes along with Ayurvedic oils which are prepared combining natural herbs and aromatic plants.
History of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
The sacred pilgrim spot of the Hindus and the revered holy shrine visited by thousands of pilgrims, the Neelkanth Mahadev temple is located on a hill above the Swarg Ashram in Haridwar. The temple is fondly dedicated to Lord Shiva who was considered the most convoluted and authoritative of all gods in the Hindu Pantheon. The construction and placement of the temple have a different story to tell. According to popular mythological stories, Lord Shiva drank the poison which appeared as a result of the churning of the ocean or the ‘Sagar Manthan’.
The premise of the temple is touted to be the same place where this incident occurred. When the Lord drank the poison, his throat became blue. This is the reason why the temple is also known as ‘Neelkanth” which means ‘Blue Throat’. The main temple has a Shiva Lingam and the aura surrounding the temple is ethereal and subtle. Devotees also get Prasad offerings from the temple along with Vibhuti and Chandan.
The temple also observes two fairs annually, one on the occasion of Shivratri and the other between July and August in the month of Shrawan. During this time, devotees consider it their privilege and good luck to be a part of the celebrations and Pooja.
Facts about Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
1. The temple has many interesting things going for it which makes it an intriguing spot full of mystical tales.
2. According to Hindu mythology, the place got its name after the popular tale of Lord Shiva consuming poison. Due to the intake of the poison, his throat turned blue; hence the name Neelkanth was appropriate for the site.
3. Inside the temple, the walls depict the story of Samudra Manthan to honor the sacrifice made by Mahadev for the well-being of the entire World.
4. There is also a sacred Peepal tree on the premises which has a certain belief attached to it. Pilgrims tie threads around the trunk of the tree and pray to get their wishes fulfilled and souls purified.
Tips for Visiting Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
1. We believe that the best time to go is to enjoy the celebrations of the devotees during July and August as well as Shivratri – the night for Lord Shiva. If you are unable to visit the temple at this time, we will recommend you to visit here between October and March and avoid the rainy season.
2. If you are interested to carry out the rituals conducted early in the morning, you should be empty-stomach to take part in the sacrament.
3. You should also do your homework before visiting the temple. All the stories and myths surrounding the temple will help you understand the architecture and wall carvings done inside the temple.
4. There are no professional guides available here hence we recommend you hire a guide from a professional agency supplying them.
