Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Name
Proper name:	Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir
Devanagari:	नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर
Location
Country:	India
State:	Uttarakhand
District:	Pauri Garhwal
Locale:	Near Rishikesh
Architecture and culture
Primary deity:	Neelkanth (Lord Shiva)
Important festivals:	Maha Shivaratri
History
Creator:	Unknown

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (Hindi: नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Nilkanth (Lord Shiva). The temple is situated at a height of 1330 meters and is located about 32 km from Rishikesh in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.

The Temple is one of the most revered holy shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site. It is surrounded by dense forests and is adjacent to the mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan. It is enveloped between the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot and Vishnukoot and is located at the confluence of the rivers Pankaja and Madhumati.

Legend

Lord Shiva consumed the poison Halahala that originated from the sea during the Samudramanthan (churning of ocean) ca 1870.

According to Hindu mythology, the place where the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple currently stands is the sacred location where Lord Shiva consumed the poison Halahala that originated from the sea when Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) churned the sea in order to obtain Amrita. The poison emanated during the Samudramanthan (churning of ocean) made his throat blue in color. Thus, Lord Shiva is also known as Nilkanth, literally meaning The Blue Throated One.^[1]

The Temple

The sikhara of the temple is adorned with sculptures of various Devas and Asuras depicting the Samudramanthan. Neelkanth Mahadev in the form of Shivalinga is the presiding deity of the temple. The temple complex also has a natural spring where devotees usually take a holy bath before entering the premises of the temple. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is situated about 22 km from Swarg ashram and the trekkable road to the temple is surrounded by dense forests.^[2]

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri is the most prominent festival celebrated in the temple and lots of devotees flock to the temple during the festival. The devotees who pay a visit to Neelkanth Mahadev make an offering of Bael leaves, coconut, flowers, milk, honey, fruits and water to the Lord Shiva. The temple observes two fairs that are held annually on the occasions of Maha Shivratri (Feb-Mar) and Shivratri of Shraavana (month of Hindu calendar) (July-Aug) during which the devotees (Kawarias) trek from Haridwar to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.^[3]

References

1. ^ Neelkanth Mahadev
2. ^ Neelkanth Temple
3. ^ C K Chandramohan (2010-08-02). "Chanting hymns, Kawarias trek to temples". The Hindu. http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/02/stories/2005080205730500.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-24. 

External links

• Pilgrimage opportunity in Pauri Garhwal