As the name suggests, this colorful temple is dedicated to an aspect of Lord Shiva called Neelkanth. It is located 32 km from the main town of Rishikesh, at an elevation of 1,330 meters above sea level. Surrounded by thick, dense forests and set against the magnificent backdrop of the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, the temple witnesses a huge turnout of devotees during the Shiva festivals. It holds a very high place in Hindu culture and beliefs.
The location of the temple is an extremely significant part of the belief system of devout Hindus. According to mythological accounts in ancient texts, the temple stands majestically on the exact spot where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that originated from the sea during the process of churning the ocean between the Asuras and Devas. Once the lord had consumed the poison, his neck turned entirely blue, which gave him the name Neelkanth, or literally, “the blue-throated one.”
Some Interesting Facts
Visitor Information
The temple remains open for visits throughout the year for darshan, so you can visit anytime you like. The best time is preferably during the summer months, from April to June. Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (July and August) since the roads here remain prone to disasters like roadblocks and landslides. You can also visit this temple during the winter months when tourism is lower, offering a relatively more peaceful travel experience. You can even visit this place via a bike ride, a popular option for many travelers, which adds a hint of adventure.
The temple is located 32 km from the main town of Rishikesh, which can be reached via local bus service, car ride, or even a bike ride. You can hire cabs, taxis, or bikes from Rishikesh. To reach Rishikesh from Delhi, you can book bus tickets or take your personal car, which will take around 6 hours. You can also board a train to Rishikesh from anywhere you like. Once in Rishikesh, you can get on a public bus heading to the temple.
Being one of the most prominent places for devotees of the Shaiva sect of Hinduism, the temple comes alive during some of the most auspicious days of the year, such as Maha Shivratri. It is also the site of the famous fair during Shraavan, and the highly acclaimed Kanwar Yatris also make it a point to visit this holy temple of the lord. Apart from this, the temple is mostly flocked by devotees all year round, from all over the world.
There are a few tea stalls and roadside dhabas around the temple where you can grab some snacks before or after the visit. However, if you are looking for a wholesome meal, you must head back to Rishikesh, where there is no dearth of interesting and beautiful cafes and restaurants offering food of various types, from Indian and Chinese to Tibetan and continental.
You can take the help and guidance of a professional guide, who can be found at the entrance of the temple. You can also visit the temple as part of your tour package for Rishikesh, where you will be assisted by a knowledgeable guide. Several travel agencies in Haridwar and Rishikesh can help you out with this. The best option would be to either opt for a full-day tour of Rishikesh, which will be at a very reasonable rate, and you will also be able to visit some of the most popular holy and interesting destinations here.
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