Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is situated around 30 km from Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. It is a holy hindu shrine dedicated to an aspect of Lord Shiva, Nilkanth. Nestled amidst the lap of nature, the temple is surrounded by three valleys: Manikoot, Brahmakoot, and Vishnukoot. Located at the confluence of two perennial rivers Madhumati and Pankaja. Perched at a height of more than 4000 feet, the temple is surrounded by dense forest and towering mountains, which offers an enchanting and mesmerizing view of the surroundings.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, devotees often visit this shrine during occasions like Shivratri and the holy month of Sawan. During these times, a large number of people gather here to offer Holy Ganges water, Bel leaves, honey, curd, and coconuts. Styled in the Dravidian tradition, this temple offers a serene and soothing look that attracts many people from far and wide. At the entrance, visitors can see the Dev and Demons picture depicting the mythology story of the temple.

As per the legends, in order to obtain Amruta, Gods and Demons agreed to churn the ocean, which is called ‘Samudramanthan’. It is said that during Samudramanthan 14 Ratnas or gems were obtained and one of them is “Kalkut’, a poison. This Kalkut has the capability to destroy the entire world and as per the conditions whatever emanated during this process, one has to keep it. Both the Gods and Demons refuse to take this Kalkut, so Shiva came for the rescue and he consumed it by placing it in his throat, which turned his throat blue, hence named Neelkanth (the blue throat).

To refrain from its ill effects, Lord Shiva performed a penance for thousands of years underneath the Panchpani tree, 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. Temple sanctum sanctorum houses the sacred Shivling, where people offer water and tie the thread on Peepal Tree to seek the blessings of the god.

A large number of people throng to the temple to offer water during Sawan, a pilgrimage called ‘Kanwar Yatra’. During this yatra, devotees take the holy Ganges water from Haridwar and offer it on the Shivling. Located just 30 km from Rishikesh, the shrine can be accessed easily by road using bus, taxi and other available modes. However, the road leading to the temple is in tattered condition and visitors may experience difficulties, especially during monsoon season.

Alternatively, the temple can also be reached by a small trek, often undertaken by the Kanwariya during the Kanwar Yatra. The temple premises houses various shops, where devotees can buy Prasad and other items to offer. Additionally, there are multiple dhabas and restaurants offering a variety of food items. Maha Shivratri is one such festival that is celebrated in the temple with great pomp and show, observed twice a year; first in Feb/March and the second one during the Shravan Shivratri.