Find peace and enlightenment at the sacred Neelkanth Temple
The temple is open all year long, and hundreds of pilgrims flock here to worship the Lord. Shivratri and the month of Shrawan are the ideal times to visit the temple. The festivities include spectacular performances, music, a thorough Pooja service, and the illumination of the whole temple.
The Neelkanth Mahadev temple, a respected holy place visited by lakhs of pilgrims, is situated on a hilltop above the Swarg Ashram in Haridwar. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, who was regarded as the most complex and powerful deity in the Hindu pantheon. A distinct narrative can be drawn from the temple's design and location. Popular myths claim that Lord Shiva ingested the poison that appeared as a result of the churning of the ocean, also known as the 'Sagar Manthan.'
It is claimed that the incident happened on the premises of the shrine. The Lord's throat turned blue after consuming the poison. Because of this, the temple is often referred to as 'Neelkanth,' which means 'Blue Throat.' A Shiva Lingam may be seen in the main temple, and a delicate, ethereal vibe permeates the entire complex. Along with Vibhuti and Chandan, the temple also provides Prasad offerings to the worshippers.
The temple also holds two fairs a year, one during Shivratri and the other in the months of Shrawan between July and August. Devotees view participating in the festivities and Pooja at this time as a privilege and a sign of good fortune.
1. Shri Sachcha Akhileshwar Mahadev Temple: Visitors visit to this stunning Shiva temple in search of solitude and inner peace. You can do an Abhishek as well for a small gift.
2. Tera Manzil Temple: This famous structure is situated close to Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh. The temple is special because it has 13 storeys, each of which is home to a different Hindu deity as described in the Hindu scriptures. From the 13th floor, you can see Lakshman Jhula, and the view of Rishikesh and the Jhula will make you want to leave.
3. Prakriti Vedic Spa: To further your state of relaxation, you can stop by the Prakriti Vedic spa and hire a professional masseuse to give you a massage. The decor is soothing, and the therapists are knowledgeable about the appropriate pressure to use. The spa is not to be missed because it offers expert soothing massages while using hot Ayurvedic oils.
4. Scorpion Handicrafts: This location is known for having some of the most beautiful selections of pants, shawls, and gowns, in addition to the various types of handicrafts that are offered here. Due to the vibrant assortment on exhibit here, you'll end up lingering longer and spending more money once you arrive.
5. Tattva Ayurvedic Centre: The Tattva Ayurvedic centre is another another location for a soothing massage. The five aspects of the body, known as Tattva, are the inspiration for the treatments and therapies offered here. The guests can encounter a calming experience thanks to the wellness therapies, which are designed around the five key components.
6. Geeta Bhavan: The Geeta Bhavan temple experiences blustery, windy evenings. Geeta Bhavan is a serene location where you can spend a lot of time alone, especially with its riverside views. The ayurvedic oils made here using natural herbs and aromatic plants, as well as the desi Ghee sweets, are both in high demand.
1. According to our opinion, the greatest time to visit is during Shivratri, the night dedicated to Lord Shiva, as well as the festivals held by devotees in July and August. If you are unable to visit the temple now, we advise avoiding the rainy season and coming here between October and March.
2. If you want to participate in the morning rites, you should be empty-handed in order to receive the sacrament.
3. You should research the temple before going there. You can better understand the temple's architecture and wall carvings by learning all the myths and legends that surround it.
32 kilometres separate the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple from Rishikesh's major bus station. By reserving a private or shared cab, you can get there. Even better, go on a public bus that will drop you off near to the temple. You may attempt the 22-kilometer trip to the temple from the well-known Ram Jhula if you're up for some adventure.
1. Prayer and Pooja: Pray to Lord Shiva, who is acknowledged as the universe's creator, and perform devotional Pooja in his honour.
2. OBSERVE The architecture: The exquisite architecture and stunning sculptures of the temple must be observed and adored. People frequently visit this location to pamper themselves aesthetically and take photos of the temple and its architecture.
3. Take a bath: Don't forget to take a dip in the hot springs that naturally occur on the temple grounds if you want to unwind and lose yourself in the heavenly aura of the temple.
4. Purchase souvenirs: You may purchase Shiva accessories and idols for yourself and your loved ones from the different kiosks set up outside the temple.
1. The temple has a lot going for it, making it a fascinating location full of mystic beliefs.
2. In Hindu mythology, the location's name derives from the well-known legend of Lord Shiva eating poison. His neck went blue as a result of ingesting the poison, hence Neelkanth was a suitable name for the location.
3. To honour the sacrifice made by Mahadev for the welfare of the entire world, the walls of the temple represent the Samudra Manthan narrative.
4. There is also a holy Peepal tree on the property that is associated with a particular religion. To make their wishes come true, pilgrims wrap threads around the tree's trunk.
Some of the common questions asked related to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Neelkanth Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at a height of 1,330 meters above sea level and is surrounded by mountains and dense forests.
According to Hindu mythology, Neelkanth Temple is the place where Lord Shiva consumed the poison (halahala) that emerged from the churning of the ocean by the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons). It is believed that Lord Shiva's throat turned blue (Neelkanth) due to the poison and hence the name of the temple.
Neelkanth Temple is located approximately 32 km from Rishikesh and can be reached by car or bus. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 53 km away. The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh.
The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day.
Visitors should dress modestly and be respectful of the temple and its surroundings. Photography and videography are allowed but not inside the temple.
The best time to visit Neelkanth Temple is during the months of February to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant, and the temple is less crowded.
Yes, there are many nearby attractions including the Rajaji National Park, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and many other temples and ashrams
The temple conducts several poojas throughout the day, including the Mangal Aarti, Rudrabhishek, and Shayan Aarti.
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