Discover Neelkanth Temple Rishikesh Timings, History & Location

Here is the Neelkanth Temple Rishikesh Timings Tabled Schedule:

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Neelkanth Temple is located in the Manikoot Mountain  in Pauri Garhwal district, at the confluence of the Madhumati and Pankaja rivers, the month of Sawan is the best to have darshan of this temple, every year lakhs of Shiva devotees arrive carrying Ganga water in Kanwar Mela  for Jalabhishek. The carvings of this temple are worth seeing, and to reach this temple, one has to pass through many kinds of mountains and rivers.

What it’s Known For:
The temple is famous for its spiritual importance, peaceful location, and the Maha Shivaratri festival held every year.

Temple’s History

Lord Shiva drank poison
There is also a mythological story related to this temple. According to the story, from the Samudra Manthan, the Amrita that emerged were being distributed among the devas and the asuras, but then a poison named Halahala came out. Neither the devas wanted it nor the asuras.

This poison was so dangerous that it could destroy the entire creation. With the fire of this poison, all the ten directions started burning, due to which there was chaos in the world.

Then Lord Shiva, to save the whole universe, drank the poison. When Lord Shiva was drinking the poison, then Mata Parvati was right behind him, and she held his throat, due to which the poison neither came out from the throat nor went inside the body.

Mahadev went into deep meditation under the tree
The poison got stuck in the throat of Lord Shiva, due to which his throat turned blue, and then Mahadev came to be called Neelkanth.

But due to the heat (warmth) of the poison, the restless Lord Shiva moved towards the Himalayas in search of coolness, and he found the coolness of the Pankaja and Madhumati rivers on the Manikoot Mountain, sat under a tree at the confluence of the rivers. T

Here he became completely absorbed by samadhi, and remained in samadhi for years, due to which Mata Parvati became worried.

Mata Parvati also sat on the mountain, waiting for Lord Shiva’s samadhi to end. But even after many years, Lord Shiva remained  in samadhi.

After the prayers of the devas, Bholenath opened his eyes and, before going to Kailash, gave this place the name of Neelkanth Mahadev.

Because of this, even today this place is known by the name of Neelkanth Mahadev. At the very spot where Lord Shiva was absorbed in samadhi under the tree, today there is a huge temple, and every year lakhs of Shiva devotees come to have darshan of this temple.

History: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Located just 32 km from Rishikesh via Barrage and 22 km via Ram Jhula, the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is surrounded by religious energy, mythological stories, and beautiful views. According to a legend, the temple gets its name from Lord Shiva.

It is believed that this is where Lord Shiva drank the poison that came out during the Samudra Manthan, which turned his throat blue. This is why Shiva is also called Neelkanth (meaning “blue throat”).

The temple, with its ancient history, holds a divine aura, surrounded by three valleys: Vishnukoot, Brahmakoot, and Manikoot. It sits at an altitude of 926 meters and is located at the meeting point of the Madhumati and Pankaja rivers.

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is 22 km from Swargashram, and there is a 12 km trek through dense forests, perfect for trekkers. There are rest houses for accommodation, provided by the Irrigation & Forest Department.

Lord Shiva Consumed the Poison

• There is a mythological story associated with this temple. According to the legend, during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), various things emerged, which were divided between the gods and the demons. However, a dangerous poison called Halahal also emerged.
• Neither the gods nor the demons wanted this poison, as it was so deadly that it could destroy the entire universe. The poison was so powerful that it set the ten directions on fire, causing chaos in the world.
• To save the world, Lord Shiva decided to consume the poison. As he was drinking the poison, Goddess Parvati, who was following him, held his throat, preventing the poison from spilling out or entering his body. This act saved the universe from destruction.

Lord Shiva Meditated Under a Tree

• The poison got stuck in Lord Shiva’s throat, which caused his throat to turn blue, and he became known as Neelkanth. However, the heat of the poison made Lord Shiva restless, so he sought coolness and headed towards the Himalayas.
• Upon reaching the Manikoot Mountain, where he saw the coolness of the Madhumati and Pankaja rivers, he sat under a tree at their confluence. There, he entered into deep meditation and remained absorbed in it for many years, which made Goddess Parvati very worried.

How the Place Came to Be Called Neelkanth Mahadev

• Goddess Parvati also sat on the mountain, waiting for Lord Shiva to come out of his deep meditation. However, after many years, Lord Shiva remained absorbed in his meditation.
• After the prayers of the gods and goddesses, Lord Shiva finally opened his eyes. Before returning to Kailash, he named the place Neelkanth Mahadev. This is why the place is still known by the name Neelkanth Mahadev.
• The tree under which Lord Shiva was meditating is now the site of a grand temple. Every year, millions of Shiva devotees visit this temple to seek blessings.

Entry Fee: Neelkanth Temple Rishikesh Timings

There is no entry fee to visit the temple.

Tips: It’s best to visit early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise and avoid the heat in the afternoon.

Time to Visit: Most visitors spend around 1 to 2 hours at the temple. Restricted Items: You cannot bring non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or leather items into the temple.