Neelkanth Mahadev Temple as the name suggests is a Hindu temple devoted to Neelkanth, an aspect of Bhagwan Shiva. The temple is roughly located 32 km from Rishikesh in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.

The temple is devoted to Bhagwan Shiva and is a famous Hindu pilgrimage place. It is enclosed by thick forests and is next to the mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan. It is covered amidst the valleys of Brahmakoot, Manikoot, and Vishnukoot and is situated at the convergence of the rivers Madhumati and Pankaja.

Legend

The creation and placement of the temple have various stories to tell. According to popular legendary stories, Bhagwan Shiva drank the poison that arose from the sea when Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) stirred the ocean to get Amrita. This poison that originated during the Samudra-Manthan (stirring of the ocean) made his neck blue in appearance. Hence, Bhagwan Shiva is also known as Neelkanth, actually meaning The Blue Throated One.

The basis of the temple is promoted to be the same place where this event transpired. When the Bhagwan Shiva consumed the poison, his neck became blue. This is the cause why the temple is also recognized as ‘Neelkanth” which signifies ‘Blue Throat’. The foremost temple has a Bhagwan Shiva Lingam and the atmosphere surrounding the temple is heavenly and subtle. There’s always a regular stream of loyal devotees who come here and revere to Mahadev.

Festivals

The most important festival at Neelkanth Mahadev temple is Maha Shivratri. Throughout the festival, a large number of adherents visit the temple to give their respect to the Bhagwan Shiva. The offering of flowers, honey, milk, water, coconut, and Bael leaves are made to Bhagwan Shiva. The festival happens two times a year, once in the month of February-March (Maha Shivaratri) and in July-August (Shravan maas as per Hindu calendar).