Surrounded by three valleys, Manikoot, Brahmakoot, and Vishnukoot, the temple is a religious place at the convergence of two timeless rivers by nature the, Pankaja and the Madhumati.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located on a hill above the Swarga Ashram in Haridwar and is a holy shrine of the Hindus and a place of worship visited by thousands of pilgrims. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is considered the most charming and authentic of all Hindu Pantheon deities. The construction and location of the temple have a different story to tell.
According to Mythology, the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a holy place where Lord Shiva drank the sea’s poison (Samudra Manthan). It turned Shiva’s throat blue and named him Neelkanth. Mahadev Temple is a popular destination for Shiva devotees. People from the country and the world visit this holy place throughout the year.
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple has a beautiful and colorful structure. Above the entrance, sculptures of Gods and Demons depict the mythological scenes of the Samundra Manthan. The walls of the temple represent the whole story of Manthan. The inner temple complex is divine and beautiful. The holy Shiva lingam is situated in this sacred temple. Devotees tie the sacred thread to a large peepal tree and ask for a wish to be fulfilled. There is a natural spring in the temple where the devotees bathe in the holy water.
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated happily at the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, and many devotees visit this temple on this auspicious day. Devotees offer milk, coconuts, bale leaves, and flowers to the Shivalinga.
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is perched on a hill surrounded by dense forests. Trekkers can reach the temple by trekking 22 km from Ramjhula.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located near Rishikesh (on a hill in the middle of a dense forest).
The nearest place to the Neelkanth Temple is via Rishikesh, located at a distance of 32 km from the temple. The easiest way to reach here without delay is to get to the temple via Rishikesh.
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is known to be where Shiva drank poison and hence called Neelkanth after that. That was the same location where the whole scenario happened. And that is why it is still famous and celebrated today as well.
There is a Shivalingam in the main temple, and it has an ethereal and subtle aura surrounding the temple. Devotees, along with Vibhuti and Chandanjala, also receive Prasad offerings from the temple.
The temple holds two festivals every year, one on Shivratri and the other during the month of Shravan from July to August. At this time, devotees consider it their privilege and good fortune to be a part of the auspicious occasion and worship lord shiva from their pure devotion and heart.
The temple is open all year round, and thousands of pilgrims come here to pay homage to the Lord. The best time to visit this temple is during the months of Shravan and Shivratri. The festivities include spectacular performances, music, a mesmerizing pooja ceremony, and decorations with flowers and lighting throughout the temple.