Visitor Information
- Famous For: Mythology, History, Photography, Nature, Architecture.
- Entry Fee: No fee is required.
- Visiting Time: Between sunrise and sunset daily
- Visiting Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
The holy River Ganges flowing through Rishikesh, nurturing and caring like a mother, and, the sturdy Himalayas, protecting the small and sacred hill station like a dutiful father, have attracted visitors from all over the world. Such is the trance and the enchantment of this magical city that it tells the tale of some of the most significant occurrences as per the Hindu mythology. To top this list is the Neelkantha Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh that is revered by the tourists from all over the world and is one of the most visited pilgrimage site since ages. Thus, when it comes to tourism in this region, missing out on this ancient temple is totally out of the question.
Traveller Tips
- If you want to carry out the rituals, go to the temple empty-stomach early in the morning for a peaceful experience.
- Read about or listen to the myths that are enclosed within the walls of the temple according to Hindu mythology.
Things to Do There
- Offer your prayers to Lord Shiva who is believed to be the guardian of all species on the earth.
- Observe the splendid architecture of the ancient temple despite the fact that the temple was constructed at a time when technology was not available to guide the architects what the correct proportion is.
- After you have visited the temple, you can visit the tiny stalls outside who sell local goods so that you can take back something from this mythological place as a memoir.
Availability of Guides
If you expect a professional guide to greet you at the entrance of the temple, you will be highly disappointed. So, you need to hire a guide by consulting a travel agency in Rishikesh.
Best Time to Visit
The temple is open throughout the year for the pilgrims. However, if possible, you can always try and visit the temple during the festival of Shivaratri to be a part of the eye-dazzling celebrations that would leave you spellbound.
How to Reach the Place
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is situated at a distance of 32 km from the main bus terminal of Rishikesh. You can reach the place by booking a private or shared taxi. You may even board a public bus that would drop you close to the temple. If you are looking for some adventure, you can try out the 22-km trek to the temple from the famous Ram Jhula.
Interesting Facts About the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
- The temple is the site, according to mythology, where Lord Shiva had consumed the poison after the Samudra Manthan that left him with a blue throat, that is, a ‘neel kanth’.
- The story of the Samudra Manthan is highlighted on the walls of the temple to honour the sacrifice made by Mahadev, the God of Gods, for the well-being of the world.
- Inside the temple is the establishment of the famous Shivalinga before which the pilgrims bow in prayer.
- There is a sacred peepal tree in the premises of the temple. It is believed that if the pilgrims tie a thread around the trunk of the sacred peepal tree and pray from the bottom of their heart, then their souls will be purified and their prayers will be answered.
Nearby Attractions
- Ram Jhula
- Laxman Jhula
- Tera Manzil Temple
- Rajaji National Park
- Triveni Ghat
- Gita Bhavan
- Sivananda Ashram
- Laxman Temple
- Beatles Ashram
- Bhootnath Temple
Nearby Restaurants
- The Siting Element
- Café de Goa
- Ramana’s Organic Café
- Bistro Nirvana
- Pure Soul – Café and Organic Kitchen
- Little Buddha Café
- Ganga View Restaurant
- Ganga Beach Restaurant
Thus, to purify the weakening soul, pilgrims come to pay a visit to the Neelkantha Mahadev Temple every year and return back turning over a new leaf that makes them face every obstacle in life with courage and utmost determination. Thus, this ancient and holy temple is a must visit for all.
