Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple - Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Located at an altitude of 1675 m on the hilltop of Swarg Ashram, is the shrine of Neelkanth Mahadev. The Neelkanth Mahadev temple is considered to be one of the most famous temples of Rishikesh. With temples at almost every fold of the Himalayan Range, Hindu mythology is closely associated with most of these temples.
The temple of Neelkanth Mahadev is associated with Lord Shiva, and he is the presiding deity. According to Hindu mythology it was the place where Shiva drank up the venom churned out of the ocean, to save the world from the evil, death and destruction. It is said that Lord Shiva had the immense capacity to stop the venom from entering his body and thus reserved it in his throat forever. The poison did not harm him but turned his throat murky blue.
The temple of Neelkanth Mahadev is situated at a distance of 12 km from Rishikesh among the snowcapped mountains and forests. Rishikesh holds immense importance in the religious lives of devout Hindus. 32 km. from Rishikesh, the Neelkanth temple has mythological significance as well as picturesque surroundings .
Legend of Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir :
According to Hindu mythology it was the place where Shiva drank up the venom (which emanated during the ' Samudra Manthan') churned out of the ocean, to save the world from the evil, death and destruction. It is said that Lord Shiva had the immense capacity to stop the venom from entering his body and thus reserved it in his throat forever. The poison did not harm him but turned his throat murky blue, thus giving Shiva the name of Neelkanth. It is believed that the event occurred here in this place where the temple is located.
The temple of Neelkanth Mahadev is situated at a distance of 12 km from Rishikesh among the snow capped mountains and forests. Rishikesh holds immense importance in the religious lives of devout Hindus.
Neelkanth Mahadev temple holds two fairs; one during the occasion of Shivratri and another in the month of Shravan (July-August). Thousands of devotees throng during Shivratri. From the Neela Kantha temple you can climb 2 kms. to the Parvati temple, located on top of a high hill. Another 2 kms. further up the hill is a Cave (gufa), where there is a small temple. There are good views along the way. It is a fairly hard climb to the Parvati temple and a fairly easy walk to the cave.
