Sri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, nestled in the lush greenery of Rishikesh, is a highly revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Renowned for its scenic beauty and spiritual ambiance, this temple is named after the blue-throated form of Shiva, known as Neelkanth. The temple holds great significance in Hindu mythology and attracts devotees from around the globe, especially during the annual Kanwar Mela. With its unique Shivalinga that changes color throughout the day, Sri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple offers a mystical and serene experience for pilgrims and tourists alike.
Sri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the lush green surroundings of Rishikesh. The temple is named after the Neelkanth, or blue-throated form of Shiva, which refers to the legend of Shiva consuming the poison Halahala to save the universe during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). The temple is a significant pilgrimage site, drawing devotees from all over the world for its spiritual atmosphere and stunning natural beauty.
Temple Speciality: The temple is particularly famous for its scenic location amidst dense forests and adjacent to the Nar-Narayan mountain range. It is also known for its unique Shivalinga, which is said to change color depending on the time of the day. The temple holds special significance during the annual Kanwar Mela, attracting thousands of devotees.
Address: Sri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Kotdwar - Pauri Road, Kotdwar, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand 246149, India.
Location Longitude and Latitude: 30.1197° N, 78.3165° E
Temple Timings:
- Daily: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Temple Sevas:
- Abhishekham
- Rudrabhishekam
- Mahamrityunjaya Jaap
- Aarti
- Prasad distribution
Traveling Facilities:
- By Road: Regular bus services and private taxis from Rishikesh.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, approximately 32 km away.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, around 49 km from the temple.
Food Facilities:
- Several local eateries and food stalls are available near the temple premises offering vegetarian food.
- Langar (community kitchen) services are also available at the temple on specific days.
Stay Facilities:
- Guest houses and budget hotels are available in Rishikesh.
- Ashrams and dharamshalas offer affordable accommodation options for pilgrims.
Nearby Railway Station:
- Rishikesh Railway Station (32 km)
Nearby Airport:
- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (49 km)
Nearby Bus Station:
- Rishikesh Bus Station (30 km)
Bus Routes to Temple:
- Direct buses from Rishikesh Bus Station to Neelkanth.
- Local taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available.
Train Routes to Temple:
- Trains to Rishikesh Railway Station from major cities like Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun.
- From Rishikesh, local transport can be used to reach the temple.
Airways to Temple:
- Flights to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
- From the airport, taxis or buses can be taken to reach Rishikesh and then onwards to Neelkanth.
Nearby Cities to Temple:
- Rishikesh (32 km)
- Haridwar (52 km)
- Dehradun (65 km)
Nearby Visiting Temples and Other Places:
- Triveni Ghat
- Lakshman Jhula
- Ram Jhula
- Parmarth Niketan Ashram
- Tera Manzil Temple
Shopping Famous For:
- Spiritual and religious items
- Handicrafts and local artifacts
- Ayurvedic products
- Organic food items
This detailed information should help anyone planning to visit Sri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh.
Visiting Sri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple provides not only a spiritual retreat but also a journey through the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Rishikesh. With convenient traveling facilities, ample food and stay options, and proximity to other sacred sites, the temple serves as an ideal destination for both pilgrimage and tourism. The vibrant local markets offer a glimpse into the region's traditional crafts and organic products, making the trip even more memorable. Whether for devotion or exploration, Sri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Hindu spirituality and the captivating charm of Uttarakhand.
