Nilkanth

For Nilkanth Varni, see Swaminarayan.

Nilkanth is a name used to refer to Shiva, one of the Hindu trinity of Creator (Brahma), Preserver (Vishnu), and Destroyer (Shiva).

According to the Purnas, Shiva received this name as he drank the poison that emerged from the oceans after it was churned (Samudra manthan) for getting 'amrut' - the nectar of immortality. With his yogic powers, he stopped the poison in his throat, preventing it from going any further and harming his body. But the poison did turn his neck blue, so he has been known as Nilkanth - the Blue-Throated one.

Other uses

• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, near Rishikesh
• Nilkantha (mountain), Garhwal Himalayas
• Neelkanth (Bird), a local name (in India) for Indian Roller (Blue Jay)