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Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh
Shiva (Neelkanth) · Hill Shrine · Rishikesh
॥ ओं नमः शिवाय ॥
High on a forested ridge above Rishikesh stands the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, one of the most revered Shiva shrines in the Garhwal hills. By legend it marks the spot where Shiva drank the halahala, the world-destroying poison churned from the ocean, and held it in his throat until it turned blue — hence Neelkanth, ‘the blue-throated one’. The winding hill road draws pilgrims through Nar and Narayan ranges.
The legend of the blue throat
The temple recalls the Samudra Manthana, the churning of the ocean by gods and demons in search of the nectar of immortality. Before the nectar came the halahala, a poison so virulent it threatened all creation. To save the worlds Shiva drank it, and Parvati held his throat so the poison could not pass; it lodged there and turned his neck blue.
From that act comes the name Neelkanth, and the temple is honoured as the place tradition ties to this great deed of mercy.
A shrine set among the ranges
The temple lies on a hill some distance from Rishikesh, set between the Nar and Narayan ranges and surrounded by forest, with the meeting of valleys and streams nearby. The setting, well above the town, gives the pilgrimage a sense of climbing into the mountains.
The shrine itself is brightly coloured and crowned with a tall spire, with a tank where pilgrims bathe before darshan.
Pilgrimage and festivals
Neelkanth is busiest during Maha Shivaratri and through the monsoon month of Shravan, when streams of devotees, many carrying holy water, make the climb to offer worship. Some walk the forest paths from Rishikesh as a vow.
For much of the year it remains a steady pilgrim destination, combined by many visitors with the temples and ghats of Rishikesh below.
How to reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh
- By road: The temple is reached by a winding hill road from Rishikesh, about 30 km, by taxi or shared jeep; some pilgrims walk forest trails on foot.
- By train: Rishikesh and Haridwar railway stations are the nearest railheads, with Haridwar offering wider connections.
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is the closest airport, roughly 40 km from Rishikesh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the temple called Neelkanth?
Neelkanth means ‘the blue-throated one’. By legend Shiva drank the halahala poison from the churning of the ocean and held it in his throat, which turned blue, and the temple marks that event.
What is the legend behind Neelkanth Mahadev?
During the churning of the ocean a deadly poison arose that threatened creation. Shiva swallowed it to save the worlds, and Parvati held his throat so it lodged there, turning his neck blue.
Where is the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple located?
It stands on a forested hill above Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, set between the Nar and Narayan ranges, about 30 km from the town by road.
How do pilgrims reach the temple?
Most travel by a winding hill road from Rishikesh by taxi or shared jeep, while some devotees walk the forest trails on foot as part of their vow.
When is the temple busiest?
It is busiest at Maha Shivaratri and through the month of Shravan, when large numbers of devotees climb to the shrine, many carrying holy water.
Is there a place to bathe before darshan?
Yes. There is a tank at the temple where pilgrims bathe before entering for darshan, in keeping with custom at many Shiva shrines.
॥ हर हर महादेव ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Shiva as Neelkanth |
| Legend | Drank the halahala poison |
| Setting | Nar–Narayan ranges, forested hill |
| Distance | ~30 km from Rishikesh |
| Peak seasons | Maha Shivaratri & Shravan |
| State | Uttarakhand |