Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Uttarakhand is home to several prominent Lord Shiva shrines, and the Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is the most revered. Dedicated to an aspect of Lord Shiva, Nilkanth, this holy shrine is surrounded by three valleys, Manikoot, Brahmakoot, and Vishnukoot. During the Shravan month and on the occasion of Shivratri, thousands of devotees queued up for hours to offer water at the Shivling, showing devotion and perseverance. The temple is easily accessible by road from Rishikesh or can be reached via a 12 km trek from Ram Jhula.
 

Perched at a height of over 4,000 feet, the temple is located in Pauri Garhwal surrounded by dense forest and majestic mountains. The view of the surrounding landscapes from the temple is a sight to behold. It is situated at the confluence of two perennial rivers, Madhumati and Pankaja. The temple was built in traditional Dravidian architectural style with blue and white colours. At the entrance gate of the temple, devotees can see sculptures of God and Demons, depicting the temple's mythological origin.
 

Kanwar Yatra

Every year, during June and July, a holy pilgrimage known as " Kanwar Yatra" is organised. Devotees, called Kanwariyas, travel from various places carrying Kanwar on their shoulders to offer holy Ganges water at the temple. For an entire month, the area is filled with the utmost devotion to Lord Shiva, with people chanting "Bam Bam Bhole".
 

Many Kanwariyas undertake this journey to the temple barefoot, collecting water from the holy Ganges and offering it along with Bel leaves, honey, curd, and coconuts. Out of deep respect and devotion, Kanwariyas do not place the Kanwar on the ground until its water has been offered at the Shivling.
 

Neelkanth Trek

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh can also be reached via a medium trek of 12 km. This trek starts from Ram Jhula and takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete. During Shravan, many Kanwariyas take this route to visit the shrine. On other days, adventure lovers often trek the trail for its panoramic views and tranquil surroundings.
 

Prasad Shops

Several prasad shops are located near the temple entrance, where devotees can purchase prasad and other offerings for Lord Shiva. These shops also provide storage options where visitors can leave their shoes, bags and other items before entering the temple.
 

History

As per the legends, to obtain Amrit (nectar of immortality), the Gods and Demons agreed to churn the ocean, which is known as "Samudra Manthan". It is believed that during Samudramanthan, 14 Ratnas or gems were obtained, and one of them is "Kalkut', a poison. This Kalkut can destroy the entire world, and as per the conditions that emanated during this process, one has to keep it. However, both the Gods and Demons refuse to take this Kalkut. To save the world, Shiva intervened and consumed the Kalkut by placing it in his throat, which turned his throat blue, hence named Neelkanth - the one with a blue throat.
 

To refrain from its ill effects, Lord Shiva performed a penance for thousands of years underneath the Panchpani tree, the site where the sanctum sanctorum of the current temple is located. After completing his penance, Shiva placed a throat-shaped Shivling under the tree. Temple houses a natural spring where devotees can take a bath. Inside the sanctum sanctorum lies the sacred Shivling, where people offer water and tie the thread on the Peepal Tree to seek the blessings from the Lord.
 

Route Map

Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located about 90 minute drive from Rishikesh. From Rishikesh, the temple can be reached via shared taxi, private cab or rented two-wheeler. It is easily accessible by road to major cities like Delhi, Haridwar, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Roorkee, Dehradun, and others.
 

Alternatively, it can also be reached by train up to Haridwar or Rishikesh and then continue to the temple by taxi or other modes. Direct bus services are not available to access the temple, so visiting by shared taxi, hiring a cab, or a two-wheeler is an ideal option. Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple can be reached by following the route given below:-
 

From Delhi (284 km) → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Neelkanth Temple.
 

From Dehradun (65 km) → Doiwala → Jolly Grant → Rishikesh → Neelkanth Temple.
 

Distance from some popular places

Accommodation

Accommodation options near the temple are limited, which include guesthouses, resorts, cottages and tents. Some popular stays near the temple are: -

• The Hosteller Bam.
• Shivaya Guesthouse.
• The Yakshaa Neelkanth.
• Anandvan Jungle Resort.
• Yamkeshwar Mahadev Resort.
• High Garden Stays.
• Panchwati Luxury Resorts.
• Birds nest and nature stay.
• Sparsh Ganga Cottage and Resort.
• Mangalam Valley Resort.
• Shri Mangalam Palm Resorts

Important Tips for Travellers

• Visiting during Sawan and Shivratri can cause various issues, so plan your visit accordingly.
• During the occasion of Sawan and Shivratri, devotees get only a few seconds to offer water at the Shivling due to the heavy rush.
• Long queues are common during the pious periods of Sawan and Shivratri.
• A paid parking facility is available a few meters away from the temple.
• A huge traffic is observed throughout the day during Sawan and Shivratri, hence travelling by four-wheelers is not a good choice.
• While waiting for their turn in the queue, visitors may face several problems, like overcrowding, heat, shoving, and fatigue.
• Several prasad shops near the temple offer free service to keep your shoes and helmets, if you purchase prasad from their shops.
• The road leading to the temple is unpaved and becomes slippery, especially during the monsoon.
• Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel, as the area doesn't offer any fuel stations.
• Carry a sufficient amount of cash, as the network near the temple is limited.
• Devotees must carry towels and other items if they wish to take a bath under a natural spring in the temple premises.
• Changing facilities are provided by various shops in the temple premises free of cost on purchasing prasad.
• Keep your belongings safely, as the temple is surrounded by monkeys.

Nearby Attraction

You can also visit several renowned places near the temple, such as: -

• Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula.
• Ganga Arti.
• The Beatles Ashram.
• Neer Waterfall.
• Patna Waterfall.
• Parmarth Niketan.
• Geeta Bhawan.
• Trayambakeshwar Temple (13 manzil temple)
• Muni Ki Reti.
• Shivpuri.
• Goa Beach.