Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh: Famous Sacred Abode of Lord Shiva

Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Nilkanth, an aspect of Lord Shiva. The temple is located about 32 km from Rishikesh in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. Shri Neelkanth Mahadev temple is situated on a hill at a height of 1330 meters, surrounded by dense forests and adjacent to the mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan. It is one of the most popular temples of Lord Shiva in the region and attracts thousands of devotees every year. Visit during One day Haridwar and Rishikesh Local Sightseeing by Private cab

Shri Neelkanth Mahadev temple is also associated with a legend from the Hindu mythology, where Shiva consumed the poison that originated from the churning of the ocean and made his throat blue in color. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of this temple, such as its location, timing, entry fees, how to reach, things to do, must see, significance, FAQs, and conclusion.

Location of Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located near Rishikesh, situated on the top of a hill amidst thick forest. The temple is about 32 km from Rishikesh and about 22 km from Ram Jhula. The temple is at the confluence of two perennial rivers Pankaja and Madhumati.

Timing / Entry Fees Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

The temple is open for visitors from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm every day. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple. However, visitors have to pay a nominal fee for using the parking lot near the temple. The fee ranges from Rs 10 to Rs 20 per vehicle.

How to Reach Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

The temple is well-connected by road from various parts of Uttarakhand and nearby states. The nearest airport to the temple is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, which is about 49 km away from Rishikesh. The nearest railway station to the temple is Rishikesh railway station, which is about 3 km away from Rishikesh. There are regular buses and taxis available from the airport and the railway station to the temple.

Alternatively, visitors can also take a shared auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw from Ram Jhula or Lakshman Jhula to reach the temple. The fare ranges from Rs 10 to Rs 20 per person.

Visitors can also trek to the temple from Ram Jhula or Lakshman Jhula, which is about 22 km away. The trek passes through scenic views of the river and the hills and takes about 4 to 5 hours.

Things to Do / Must See Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

The main attraction of Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is the temple itself, which is a sacred abode of Lord Shiva. Visitors can offer their prayers and worship to the Shivlinga that represents Nilkanth, the blue-throated one. Visitors can also participate in the daily rituals and ceremonies that take place in the temple premises. Some of the things to do and see at Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple are:

• The Temple Architecture: The temple has a beautiful and colorful architecture that reflects the Dravidian style of temple construction. The temple has a gopuram or a tower that is decorated with sculptures of various gods and goddesses depicting the churning of the ocean. The temple also has a spacious hall where Maharishi Mahesh Yogi used to give lectures and where devotees can sit and meditate.
• The Temple Complex: The temple complex has various facilities and amenities for the visitors such as a library, a museum, a canteen, a souvenir shop, a water tank, a rest house and more. The complex also has a natural spring where visitors can take a holy bath before entering the temple.
• The Nature Trail: The temple complex also has a nature trail that goes around the temple campus and offers scenic views of the river and the hills. The trail also passes by some old buildings that were part of the ashram complex but are now abandoned.
• The Festivals: The temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year that attract many devotees and pilgrims. Some of the major festivals are Maha Shivaratri, Shravan Mela, Kanwar Yatra and more. During these festivals, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers and special rituals and ceremonies are performed.

Significance of Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is not only a tourist attraction but also a religious and cultural landmark that has a lot of significance for Hindus and others. The temple is the place where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that originated from the churning of the ocean and made his throat blue in color. This act of Shiva saved the world from destruction and earned him the name of Nilkanth, the blue-throated one.

The temple is also a symbol of faith and devotion, as it is visited by thousands of devotees every year who seek the blessings of Shiva. The temple is also a place where visitors can experience the ancient wisdom and traditions of India and its relevance in the modern world. The temple is also a place where visitors can connect with themselves, nature and the divine.

FAQs

• Q: How can I participate in the festivals at Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?
• A: You can participate in the festivals at Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple by visiting the temple during the festival days and joining the devotees in their rituals and ceremonies. You can also offer your offerings such as milk, bael leaves, coconut, flowers, fruits and water to the Shivlinga. You can also witness the cultural events such as dances, dramas, concerts and more that take place during the festivals.

Conclusion

Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh is a sacred abode of Lord Shiva that attracts thousands of visitors every year who seek spirituality, culture and nature. It is a place where you can experience history, architecture and art at the same time. It is a place where you can create unforgettable memories with your family and friends. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh today!