Are you looking to explore the divine places in Rishikesh? Then, you should not miss visiting the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, which is located at a height of 1330 meters on a hill above Swarg Ashram. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus. In this article, we will explore the history, significance, and fascinating facts about the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh.



Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh: A Brief Introduction

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple located in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India. The temple is situated on a hill called Neelkanth Parvat, which is surrounded by dense forests and waterfalls. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of a Lingam.

The temple is said to be built on the spot where Lord Shiva drank the venom that came out during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). The temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and attracts thousands of devotees every year, especially during the festivals of Maha Shivaratri and Sawan.

History of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh

The history of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh goes back to ancient times. It is said that Lord Shiva himself chose this spot to meditate and worship after drinking the poison. The temple was built in the 6th century by a devotee named Narinder, who was a disciple of the famous Hindu philosopher and saint Adi Shankaracharya.

The temple was renovated several times over the years and was destroyed by an earthquake in 1803. The temple was rebuilt by the King of Tehri Garhwal, Raja Pratap Shah, in the 19th century. The present temple structure was built in 1913 by the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal, Narendra Shah.

Architecture of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

The Neelkanth Temple is located in the state of Uttarakhand in India and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a Hindu temple and is considered to be one of the most revered and sacred temples in the region. The temple is known for its unique and impressive architecture, which reflects the traditional style of temple architecture in North India.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh is built using traditional Indian architectural techniques, with a focus on intricate carvings and details. The temple is constructed using stone and has a distinct pyramid-shaped roof, which is made of brass. The roof of the temple is adorned with intricate carvings and designs, which are a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the artisans who built it.

The temple is surrounded by lush green forests and is situated on a hilltop, providing a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. The entrance to the temple is through a large gateway, which is also adorned with intricate carvings and designs.

Inside the temple, there is a large idol of Lord Shiva, which is made of black stone. The idol is believed to be one of the oldest and most sacred idols of Lord Shiva in India. The temple also has several other smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, including Lord Hanuman, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha.

Overall, the Neelkanth Temple is a beautiful example of traditional Indian temple architecture and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Hindu spirituality and culture.

Significance of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh is considered one of the most sacred and revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of a Lingam. The temple is surrounded by the lush green forests of the Himalayas and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva drank the poison that came out during the churning of the ocean. The temple is also associated with the legend of Lord Shiva marrying Goddess Parvati. According to the legend, Lord Shiva took the form of a groom and arrived at the temple to marry Goddess Parvati, who was waiting for him there.

Architecture of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple has a traditional Hindu architecture style. The temple is built with white marble and has intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple has three entrances and has a sanctum sanctorum where the Lingam is placed.

The temple also has several smaller shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities such as Lord Rama, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Krishna. The temple also has a large hall where devotees can sit and meditate.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh: Fascinating Facts

Here are some fascinating facts about the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh:

  • The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is surrounded by a dense forest that is home to various species of birds and animals. The forest is a part of the Rajaji National Park, which is famous for its wildlife and scenic beauty.
  • The temple is located at a height of 1330 meters above sea level and can be reached by trekking or by taking a taxi or bus from Rishikesh.
  • The temple offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and the sunset and sunrise from the temple are a sight to behold.
  • The temple is decorated with flowers and lights during the festivals of Maha Shivaratri and Sawan, and devotees from all over India come to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
  • The temple has a sacred water tank called the "Kund" where devotees can take a dip and purify themselves before offering their prayers to Lord Shiva.
  • The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is also a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts as it offers several trekking and hiking trails in the surrounding hills and forests.

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of India. The temple's serene and tranquil surroundings offer a perfect setting for meditation and introspection. A visit to the temple is an experience of a lifetime and should not be missed if you are in Rishikesh.

So, pack your bags and head to Rishikesh to experience the divinity of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. We hope that this article has given you all the information you need to plan your trip. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask us in the comments section below.

How to Reach Neelkanth Temple Rishikesh

The Neelkanth Temple is located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India, and is situated around 32 km from Rishikesh. Here are some of the ways to reach the temple:

By Road: The easiest and most convenient way to reach the temple is by road. One can hire a taxi or take a bus from Rishikesh to the temple. The journey takes around 1-2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

By Trekking: For adventure enthusiasts, there is a trekking route that starts from Rishikesh and leads to the Neelkanth Temple. The trek is around 14 km long and takes around 5-6 hours to complete.

By Private Vehicle: One can also hire a private vehicle from Rishikesh to reach the temple. This option is more expensive than taking a bus or taxi, but it provides more flexibility and convenience.

By Helicopter: Helicopter services are also available from Rishikesh to the Neelkanth Temple. This is the quickest and most comfortable way to reach the temple, but it is also the most expensive option.

Overall, reaching the Neelkanth Temple is relatively easy, and visitors can choose the mode of transportation that suits their preferences and budget.

Places to Visit Near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at a height of 1330 meters and is surrounded by lush green forests and mountains. Here are some places to visit near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:

Rajaji National Park: It is a wildlife sanctuary located near the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The park is home to many species of animals, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and deer.

Haridwar: Haridwar is a holy city located around 25 km from Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. It is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism and is famous for its Ganga Aarti, temples, and ashrams.

Rishikesh: Rishikesh is a popular tourist destination located around 20 km from Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. It is known as the Yoga capital of the world and is famous for its ashrams, yoga centers, and adventure sports.

Dehradun: Dehradun is the capital city of Uttarakhand and is located around 55 km from Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. It is known for its natural beauty, temples, and colonial architecture.

Mussoorie: Mussoorie is a popular hill station located around 90 km from Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. It is known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, and colonial architecture.

Kanatal: Kanatal is a small village located around 60 km from Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. It is known for its picturesque beauty, apple orchards, and adventure sports.

Dhanaulti: Dhanaulti is a hill station located around 80 km from Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. It is known for its serene beauty, trekking trails, and adventure sports.

Facts about Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

These are some of the places to visit near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. All of these places are easily accessible and can be visited during a day trip from the temple.

  • Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. Here are some facts about the temple:
  • The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism.
  • The temple is located at a height of 1330 meters above sea level and is surrounded by lush green forests and mountains.
  • According to legend, it is believed that Lord Shiva consumed the poison that came out during the churning of the ocean at this place. As a result, his throat turned blue, and he came to be known as Neelkanth.
  • The temple is built in the traditional North Indian style of architecture, with intricate carvings and paintings on the walls.
  • The temple attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year, especially during the Shivratri festival.
  • The temple is located around 32 km from Rishikesh and can be reached by road.
  • The temple is open for visitors from 6 am to 7 pm every day.
  • The area around the temple is also known for its scenic beauty and trekking trails.
  • The temple is managed by the Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Trust, which also runs a hospital and a school in the area.
  • The temple complex also has a sacred pond called Kunds, where devotees take a dip before offering prayers to Lord Shiva.

These are some interesting facts about the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The temple is not only a significant pilgrimage site but also a popular tourist attraction in Uttarakhand.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh: FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?

The best time to visit the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is during the months of February to June and September to December, as the weather during these months is pleasant and ideal for trekking and sightseeing.

2. How can I reach the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple can be reached by taking a taxi or bus from Rishikesh. The temple is located about 32 km from Rishikesh and can also be reached by trekking.

3. Is there an entry fee to visit the temple?

No, there is no entry fee to visit the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.

4. What are the timings of the temple?

The temple is open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm every day.

5. Can I take photographs inside the temple?

Yes, photography is allowed inside the temple, but it is advisable to take permission from the authorities before taking photographs.

6. What are the other places to visit near the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?

Some of the other places to visit near the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple are the Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat, and the Beatles Ashram.