Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Travel Guide – Location, How to Reach & Timings

This is a Neelkanth Mahadev Temple travel guide, therefore, if you are planning to visit Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir, this blog will definitely be helpful for you.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Overview

Location32 km from Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Elevation926 meters
Dedicated ToLord Shiva
Built InN/A
Built ByN/A
Temperature15°C – 30°C (average)
Timing5 am – 6 pm
Best Time to VisitFeb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Distance from Dehradun66 km
Nearby Attractions Lord Shiva temple, Tera Manzil Temple, Scorpion Handicrafts etc.

A Hindu mandir called Neelkanth Mahadev is devoted to Lord Shiva’s appearance as Nilkanth. The temple is located in the Pauri Garhwal area of Uttarakhand, India, 32 kilometres away from Rishikesh. The Dravidian design of shrine buildings influenced temple design significantly.

It is close to the Nar-Narayan mountainous regions and is covered by thick forests. It is situated at the junction of the Pankaja and Madhumati streams and is encircled by the Manikoot, Vishnukoot, and Brahmakoot valleys.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple History

The Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir, a respected holy place frequented by lakhs of visitors, is situated on a hilltop just above Swarg Ashram near Haridwar. The shrine is devoted to God Shiva, who is regarded as the most complex and powerful deity in Hindu mythology.

A distinct narrative may be drawn from the temple’s design and location. Popular myths claim that Lord Shiva ingested the poison that erupted as a consequence of the spinning of the ocean, also known as the “Sagar Manthan.”

It is claimed that this tragedy happened on the premises of the temple. The neck of the Lord turned blue after ingesting the poison. Due to this, the mandir is sometimes referred to as “Neelkanth,” which means “Blue Throat.”

A Shiva Lingam can be found on the temple grounds, and the entire complex exudes an ethereal, delicate vibe. Alongside Vibhuti and Chandan, the temple offers its patrons Prasad as well.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Architecture

The structure of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is beautiful. The Samudra Manthan battle scene between deities and devils is depicted on the mandir’s entry door. The whole narrative is portrayed on the temple’s exterior.

The holy Lord Shiva is present in the innermost area as a Shiva Linga. In the main temple, there is also a natural fountain where worshippers take a bath prior to approaching the mandir grounds.

Suggested – Are you planning to visit Badrinath Dham, read this travel guide to make your trip easier.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Facts

  1. The temple has a lot going for it, making it a fascinating location filled with magical legends.
  2. In Hindu tradition, the location’s name derives from the well-known legend of Lord Shiva ingesting poison. His neck went blue from ingesting the poison, thus Neelkanth was indeed a suitable title for the location.
  3. To honour the suffering caused to Mahadev for the welfare of the entire world, the pillars of the shrine represent the Samudra Manthan narrative.
  4. Also, there is a holy peepal tree inside the temple complex that is associated with a particular religion. In order to have their desires granted and their spirits cleaned, visitors pray while tying strings all around the tree’s trunk.
  5. Visitors get there on an empty stomach to partake in the sacrament if they choose to participate in the early morning rites.
  6. You may better comprehend the temple’s construction and wall sculptures by learning all the legends and mythologies that surround it.
  7. Given that there are no experienced tour guides on hand here, you can rent one from a reputable agency and provide their
  8. You may unwind and lose yourself in the temple’s heavenly ambience, and you can take a soak in the thermal baths that exist in nature on the temple grounds.
  9. The exquisite construction and stunning craftsmanship of the temple must be observed and adored. People frequently visit this location to pamper themselves aesthetically and take photos of the mandir and its architecture.
  10. Rishikesh is all about exploration and piety. This location has a unique aura and lives up to its name by offering a variety of locations to explore.

Suggested – Read this complete guide if you are planning to visit Kedarnath Dham.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Timings

neelkanth mahadev mandir complex

The Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir was built as a tribute to Lord Shiva. The temple is located in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal region, 32 kilometres from Rishikesh. The mandir’s constructor, Mekh Chand, is credited with its beautiful design (Sadhu).

Neelkanth, a personification of God Shiva with a blue neck and the implantation of venom, is the temple’s main deity. There is no cost to enter the location. Depending on what the guest needs, varying Pooja or contribution fees apply.

The temple is open for visits from 5:00 am until 6:00 pm.

How to reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Rishikesh, 32 kilometres from Neelkanth Temple, is the closest accessible site. The quickest and easiest way to arrive here is through Rishikesh, where you can find many taxis easily.

1. By Road

Driving is simple and quick because of the superb road conditions and network. Hire a vehicle from Ram Jhula to get there via the well-connected roads.

2. By Train

Your journey will be more comfortable and you can go vast distances if you use the train. The Rishikesh train station, which is located close to 30 miles from the temple, is the one closest to it. To get to the temple, you can use a taxi or a local transportation bus.

3. By Air

Travelling by plane will benefit you if you wish to save time and discover more. Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to the temple which is only 44 km from the temple. You can rent a car or hire a taxi at the airport and get to the temple.

Suggested – If you are planning to explore the famous temples of Uttarakhand, you should definitely put Jageshwar Temple on your list.

Places to see around Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

There are several places around Neelkanth Mahadev Temple that you can explore and have fun:

  1. Visitors come to this magnificent Lord Shiva temple in search of inner peace and calm. You may do an Abhishek as well for a little gift.
  2. Tera Manzil Temple – This famous spot in Rishikesh is close to Laxman Jhula. The temple is special because it has 13 storeys, each of which is home to a different Hindu deity as described in the Hindu texts. From the 13th floor, you can see Laxman Jhula, and the view of Rishikesh as well as the Jhula will make you want to leave.
  3. You may also go to the Prakriti Vedic Resort and have a massage from a skilled therapist to further your state of calm. The decor is soothing, and the clinicians are knowledgeable about the appropriate pressure to use. The spa is not to be missed since it offers expert soothing massages while using hot Ayurvedic oils.
  4. Scorpion Handicrafts – In addition to the many other types of handicrafts that are offered here, this location is known for having a number of the most beautiful selections of slacks, shawls, and gowns. Due to the vibrant selection on exhibit here, you’ll wind up lingering longer and spending more money once you’re here.

Why is the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple so famous?

The statues of Asuras and Devas etched on the temple’s Shikara illustrating the mythical incident of “Samudra Manthan” are the temple’s most notable claim to fame. Neelkanth Mahadev is also the main deity of the temple. After putting the Samudramamthan-derived poison in the throat, the god Shiva became known as Neelkanth Mahadev.

As is customary, a Shivalingam is also present here, and worshippers round it with a thread. Additionally, worshippers offer many Bael leaves, flowers, fruits, coconut, honey, milk, and water to the Shivalingam.

FAQs – Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Travel Guide

1. Where is Neelkanth Mahadev Temple located?

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is situated at a distance of 32 km from Rishikesh in the Pauri Garhwal district at an elevation of 926 meters in Uttarakhand.

2. What is the distance between Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and Rishikesh?

The distance between Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and Rishikesh is 32 km.

3. How to reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple from Rishikesh?

Neelkanth Temple is well connected by road from Rishikesh. So, after reaching Rishikesh, you can take a taxi or rent a bike and get to Neelkanth Temple.

4. What is the temple timing of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?

The temple opens at 5 am in the morning and closes at 6 pm in the evening.

5. What attractions are near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?

Neelkanth is located in the lap of mountains, so on the way to Neelkanth, you can see so many beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, camps at the bank of the Ganga river, etc. However, Khirsu, Dhari Devi Temple, Tera Manzil Temple, Scorpion Handicrafts etc are some of the best attractions near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.

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