Neelkanth Mahadev: A Journey to the Sacred Temple
The Neelkanth Mahadev temple is a marvel of construction, with a strikingly tall Shivling that stands six feet high, carved entirely from a single, deep black kasoti stone. Nestled within the Kumbhalgarh Fort, this sacred space dates back to 1458, but has undergone a grand renovation by the legendary Rajput King, Rana Sanga, who held Lord Shiva in high reverence during the 16th century.
Legend has it that Rana Sanga was a towering figure, so much so that his eyes met the gaze of the Shivling during prayer. Intriguingly, this temple boasts entrances on all four sides, leading to an open-pillared Mandapa. Notably, a column on the left of the temple is inscribed with details of the restoration work completed by Rana Sanga, adding yet another layer of historical significance to this sacred site.
Why is Nilkanth Mahadev so famous?
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a sacred and ancient site located at the Manikut Parvat in Rishikesh. According to mythological texts, this is the very place where Lord Shiva ingested the poison that arose from the sea during the churning of the ocean by the Devas and Asuras to obtain the nectar of immortality or Amrita. It was this poison that turned his throat a vivid shade of blue, giving him the name Neelkanth.
The story goes that during Lord Shiva’s absence from the Khailash Parvat, Goddess Parvati came to seek him out at Manikut. On her request, Lord Shiva agreed to return with her to Kailash but not before leaving behind a symbolic Shivalinga at the site of his meditation. This is how the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple came to be, a holy destination for worshippers and devotees who seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Every year during the sacred month of Shravan, devotees embark on a 17 km pilgrimage to reach the temple of Lord Shiva and offer their prayers. It is a powerful and deeply spiritual experience and one that has drawn people to this sacred site for centuries.
The ideal season to visit Nilkanth Mahadev
Embarking on a journey to the Neelkanth Mahadev mandir Rishikesh is possible throughout the year, although the months of October to May are considered the most ideal for a visit. This is when the weather is at its best, allowing for an enjoyable and comfortable trip.
In the winter season, the weather can be quite cold with temperatures dropping significantly. This may not be the best time to visit for those who are not used to the cold.
On the other hand, during the rainy season, heavy downpours can make the journey to the Neelkanth Mahadev temple a bit challenging. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid travelling during this season as the rains can make the journey difficult and uncomfortable.
How to reach Neelkanth Mahadev?
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is situated about 32 kilometres from Rishikesh and can be conveniently reached by road. One can hire a taxi from Ram Jhula Rishikesh to neelkanth mahadev temple, which is an enjoyable and scenic ride.
For those travelling by train, the nearest railway station is the Rishikesh railway station, which is located approximately 32 km from the temple. From there, one can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the temple.
If you are travelling by air, the nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 49 km away from the temple.