Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (Hindi: नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Nilkanth, an aspect of Lord Shiva. The temple is situated at a height of 1330 meters and is located about 32 km from Rishikesh in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. The temple architecture is very much influenced by the Dravidian style of temple architecture.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictPauri Garhwal
DeityNeelkanth (Shiva)
FestivalsMaha Shivaratri
Location
LocationNear Rishikesh
StateUttarakhand
CountryIndia
Location in Uttarakhand
Geographic coordinates30.0807°N 78.3409°E / 30.0807; 78.3409
Architecture
CreatorMekh Chand (Shadhu)

The temple is one of the most revered holy shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage sites. It is surrounded by dense forests and is adjacent to the mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan. It is enveloped between the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot, and Vishnukoot and is located at the confluence of the rivers Pankaja and Madhumati.

Legend
Shiva consumed the poison Halahala that originated from the sea during the Samudramanthan (churning of the ocean) ca 1870.

According to Hindu sacred texts, the place where the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple currently stands is the sacred location where Shiva consumed the poison that originated from the sea when Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) churned the ocean in order to obtain Amrita. This poison that emanated during the Samudramanthan (churning of the ocean) made his throat blue in color. Thus, Shiva is also known as Neelkanth, literally meaning The Blue Throated One.[1]

The Temple

The shikhara of the temple is adorned with sculptures of various Devas and Asuras depicting the Samudramanthan. Neelkanth Mahadev in the form of Shivalinga is the presiding deity of the temple. The temple complex also has a natural spring where devotees usually take a holy bath before entering the premises of surrounded by dense forests.[2]

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri is the most prominent festival celebrated in the temple and many devotees flock to the temple during the festival. The devotees who pay a visit to Neelkanth Mahadev make an offering of Bael leaves, coconut, flowers, milk, honey, fruits and water to Lord Shiva. The temple observes two fairs that are held annually on the occasions of Maha Shivratri (Feb-Mar) and Shivratri of Shraavana (month of Hindu calendar) (July-Aug) during which the devotees (Kawarias) trek from Haridwar to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.[3]

References
  1. Neelkanth Mahadev
  2. Neelkanth Temple
  3. C K Chandramohan (2 August 2010). "Chanting hymns, Kawarias trek to temples". The Hindu. Retrieved 24 May 2010.
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