Neelkanth

Neelkanth Temple is one of the most revered holy shrines of the Hindus. Located on a hill above Swarg Ashram in Haridwar, Neelkanth Temple is easily accessible from here. The temple lies at a comfortable distance of 29 kms and can also be reached from Rishikesh. The way to this temple is surrounded by lush green hills and rivers, providing some of the most beautiful sights, one has ever seen.

Neelkanth Mahadev is an ancient temple situated at a height of 1675 m, on a hill above Swarg Ashram. It stands adjacent to the mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan, at a distance of approximately 20 km from Rishikesh. It is enveloped between the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot and Vishnukoot. Pankaja and Madhumati, two perennial rivers, meet in confluence at this enormously-rich religious site. The place is surrounded by dense forests and beautiful rivers, making the location a mesmerizing scenic vista. The 12-km stretch from Swarg Ashram to Neelkanth is also an ideal place for trekkers. The place, other than being known for the holy shrine, is also famus for being a picturesque site and an amazing landmark, surrounded by valleys, mountains, forests and rivers. Neelkanth Mahadev, the name of the temple has been derived from the name of Lord Shiva, which means ‘the God with a blue throat’. It is said that Lord Shiva consumed the venom that oozed out during the 'Samudra Manthan‘, the churning of ocean, which made his throat blue in color. This is why He is known as ‘Neelkanth’, giving the temple its name.

According to the mythological stories, this is the place where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that appeared from the 'Sagar Manthan' (churning of ocean). After drinking the poison, Lord Shiva's throat turned blue and since then, Lord Shiva is also known as 'Neelkantha' (The one having blue throat). This temple was established to pay regards to Lord Shiva. The temple has an ancient architecture and a very beautiful complex, comprising of a one natural spring where devotees take a holy bath before entering the premises of the temple. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses a ‘Shiv Lingam’, the idol of the presiding deity in a phallic form.

The Neelkanth Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located at the rivers Pankaja and Madhumati.It is surrounded by dense forests, Nar and Narayan mountains and is admist Vishnukoot, Brahmakoot and Manikoot valleys. Legends say that Lord Shiva drank the poison that emerged during Samuda Manthan and helped the Gods in gaining rightful access to the nectar container, due to this Lord Shiva's throat became dark blue in color and hence the name Neel ( Blue ) - Kanth ( throat ) - Mahadev (<