Neelkanth Temple Rishikesh

Neelkanth Temple Rishikesh :

There is a famous Neelkanth Mahadev Temple located near Rishikesh, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is situated at a higher altitude in the midst of dense forests and is named after the blue-throated form of Lord Shiva, known as Neelkantha. Pilgrims often visit this temple, and it's believed to be the place where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that emerged during the churning of the ocean, as mentioned in Hindu mythology.

 Here are some key details about the temple:

1. Location: The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is situated at a height of about 1,330 meters (4,363 feet) above sea level and is nestled amidst the Manikoot, Brahmakoot, and Vishnukoot mountains. It is approximately 32 kilometers from Rishikesh.

2. Significance: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is associated with the legend of Shiva consuming the poison during the churning of the ocean, as mentioned in Hindu mythology. The temple is named after the blue-throated form of Lord Shiva, known as Neelkantha.

3. Architectural Style: The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple features traditional Hindu temple architecture. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, reflecting the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region.

4. Pilgrimage: The temple is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva. Many pilgrims visit the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and to witness the sacred site associated with the mythological event of Shiva consuming the poison.

5. Surroundings: The temple is surrounded by dense forests and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Ganges River. The natural beauty of the location adds to the spiritual ambiance of the temple.

6. Accessibility: The temple is accessible by road, and visitors often undertake a trek or use other means of transportation to reach the site by private and sharing car, bus and two wheeler in rent. The journey to the temple is considered scenic, passing through picturesque landscapes.

Legend :

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple near Rishikesh is associated with a significant legend from Hindu mythology. According to the mythological tale, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), a pot of poison (halahala) emerged. This poison had the potential to destroy the world. Fearing the catastrophic consequences, the deities and demons sought the help of Lord Shiva.

In response to their plea, Lord Shiva consumed the poison to save the universe. However, instead of letting the poison harm him, Shiva held it in his throat, which turned blue due to the deadly effect of the poison. This earned him the name "Neelkantha," which translates to "blue-throated."