Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh
Location
Swargashram Hills, Rishikesh, 1,330 metres elevation
City
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Deity
Lord Shiva as Neelkanth (the blue-throated one who drank the cosmic poison Halahala)
Temple Type
Shaivite Pilgrimage Temple — Samudra Manthan Mythology Site
Samudra Manthan mythology site; swayambhu Shivalinga; 13 km devotional forest trek; Kanwar Mela season (millions of devotees); Sawan special darshan; Shivratri fair
Significance
The Neelkanth Mahadev temple is one of the most important Shiva shrines in Garhwal, situated at 1,330 metres in the Swargashram hills above Rishikesh. The temple marks the mythological site where Lord Shiva is said to have rested after drinking the Halahala poison during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean), which turned his throat blue — earning him the name Neelkanth ('blue-throated'). The Shivalinga here is considered swayambhu (self-manifested). The temple draws massive crowds on Shivratri and during the Kanwar Mela season (July-August) when devotees carry Gangajal from Haridwar to offer here. The 13 km trek from Rishikesh through forest is itself a devotional experience.
Legend & History
During the Samudra Manthan — the cosmic churning of the ocean by gods and demons — a deadly poison called Halahala emerged that threatened to destroy all creation. Neither the gods (Devas) nor the demons (Asuras) could handle it. Lord Shiva alone volunteered to consume the poison to save the universe. He swallowed the poison but held it in his throat (instead of digesting it) at Parvati's request, which turned his throat permanently blue. This act of supreme self-sacrifice is celebrated at Neelkanth Mahadev, considered the spot where Shiva rested after his cosmic feat. The Kanwar pilgrimage (carrying Gangajal to offer at Neelkanth) reenacts the gods' gratitude for Shiva's sacrifice.
Shivratri (February/March); Kanwar Mela season (July-August); Sawan month (July); year-round for trek
From Rishikesh: 13 km trek via Ram Jhula. Start at Laxman Jhula. A paved motorable road also exists from Rishikesh (17 km via Swargashram). Shared taxis and autos available from Rishikesh. Trek through forest is the traditional devotional route. Nearest railway: Haridwar Junction (24 km from Rishikesh).
Frequently Asked Questionsअक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न
Where is Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh located?
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh (नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर, ऋषिकेश) is located at Swargashram Hills, Rishikesh, 1,330 metres elevation, in Uttarakhand, India. It is a revered Hindu temple.
नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर, ऋषिकेश कहाँ स्थित है?
नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर, ऋषिकेश Swargashram Hills, Rishikesh, 1,330 metres elevation, उत्तराखंड (भारत) में स्थित है। यह एक पूजनीय हिंदू मंदिर है।
Which deity is worshipped at Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh?
The principal deity worshipped at Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh is Lord Shiva as Neelkanth (the blue-throated one who drank the cosmic poison Halahala).
नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर, ऋषिकेश में किस देवता की पूजा होती है?
नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर, ऋषिकेश में मुख्य रूप से भगवान शिव नीलकंठ रूप में (समुद्र मंथन का विष पीने वाले नीले कंठ) की पूजा होती है।
What is the significance of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh?
The Neelkanth Mahadev temple is one of the most important Shiva shrines in Garhwal, situated at 1,330 metres in the Swargashram hills above Rishikesh. The temple marks the mythological site where Lord Shiva is said to have rested after drinking the Halahala poison during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean), which turned his throat blue — earning him the name Neelkanth ('blue-throated'). The Shivalinga here is considered swayambhu (self-manifested). The temple draws massive crowds on Shivratri and during the Kanwar Mela season (July-August) when devotees carry Gangajal from Haridwar to offer here. The 13 km trek from Rishikesh through forest is itself a devotional experience.
नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर, ऋषिकेश का क्या महत्व है?
नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर गढ़वाल में सबसे महत्वपूर्ण शिव मंदिरों में से एक है, जो ऋषिकेश के ऊपर स्वर्गाश्रम पहाड़ियों में 1,330 मीटर पर स्थित है। यह मंदिर उस पौराणिक स्थल को चिह्नित करता है जहाँ भगवान शिव ने समुद्र मंथन के दौरान हलाहल विष पीने के बाद विश्राम किया — जिससे उनका कंठ नीला हो गया और उन्हें 'नीलकंठ' कहा जाने लगा। यहाँ का शिवलिंग स्वयंभू माना जाता है। शिवरात्रि और कांवड़ मेले के दौरान यहाँ विशाल भीड़ उमड़ती है।
What is the best time to visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh?
The best time to visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh is Shivratri (February/March); Kanwar Mela season (July-August); Sawan month (July); year-round for trek.
नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर, ऋषिकेश जाने का सबसे अच्छा समय कौन-सा है?
नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर, ऋषिकेश जाने का सबसे अच्छा समय Shivratri (February/March); Kanwar Mela season (July-August); Sawan month (July); year-round for trek है।
How do I reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh?
From Rishikesh: 13 km trek via Ram Jhula. Start at Laxman Jhula. A paved motorable road also exists from Rishikesh (17 km via Swargashram). Shared taxis and autos available from Rishikesh. Trek through forest is the traditional devotional route. Nearest railway: Haridwar Junction (24 km from Rishikesh).
नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर, ऋषिकेश कैसे पहुँचें?
From Rishikesh: 13 km trek via Ram Jhula. Start at Laxman Jhula. A paved motorable road also exists from Rishikesh (17 km via Swargashram). Shared taxis and autos available from Rishikesh. Trek through forest is the traditional devotional route. Nearest railway: Haridwar Junction (24 km from Rishikesh).
