Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Story/Legend
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple has a rich history and mythology associated with it. According to the Hindu scriptures, during the Samudra Manthan, Lord Shiva consumed the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean to save the world. As a result, his throat turned blue, and he came to be known as Neelkanth, which means "blue throat". It is believed that the temple is built at the same place where Lord Shiva drank the poison and the divine nectar that emerged from the churning of the ocean.
Another popular legend associated with the temple is that of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's marriage. It is believed that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati at this very spot, and since then, the temple has become a symbol of divine love and devotion.
Architecture
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a magnificent example of ancient Hindu architecture. The temple is built in the Kumaoni style of architecture and is made of white marble. The temple complex includes a main shrine, a ghat, and several other smaller shrines dedicated to different deities. The temple's main entrance is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures of Hindu deities.
The inner sanctum of the temple houses a 6-feet-tall black stone idol of Lord Shiva in his Neelkanth form. The idol is surrounded by several smaller idols of other Hindu deities. The temple's walls are decorated with beautiful paintings and frescoes depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
Pooja Timings and Best time to visit
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day. The temple's pooja timings vary according to the season. The morning pooja starts at 6:00 AM and the evening pooja starts at 7:00 PM. The temple also conducts special poojas on auspicious occasions such as Mahashivratri and Navratri.
The best time to visit the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is from September to June. During these months, the weather is pleasant and the surrounding natural beauty is at its peak. The temple experiences heavy footfall during the months of July and August due to the monsoon season.
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Pauri Garhwal district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated at a height of 1,330 meters (4,360 feet) above sea level.
According to Hindu mythology, the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is the place where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean by the gods and demons. The poison turned his throat blue, and hence he is known as Neelkanth (which means "blue throat" in Hindi).
The temple has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when it was built by the local ruler of the Garhwal region, Raja Jagat Singh. The temple is built in the traditional North Indian Nagara style of architecture and is made of locally available stone and wood.
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located in a picturesque setting amidst the scenic beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas. The temple is surrounded by dense forests and is situated near the confluence of the rivers Pankaja and Madhumati.
The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, and thousands of devotees visit it every year, especially during the festival of Shivratri. The temple can be reached by a trek of around 14 km from the town of Swarg Ashram, or by road from Rishikesh, which is around 32 km away.
In addition to its religious significance, the temple is also a popular tourist destination due to its scenic location and historical significance. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area and participate in various adventure activities like trekking and camping.
How to reach ?
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand and is well-connected by road. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 44 km away. The nearest railway station is in Haridwar, which is about 21 km away. From Haridwar, one can take a bus or taxi to reach the temple.
