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Uttaranchal Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Location | Near Rishikesh, Uttranchal, India |
Built by | |
Also known as | |
Primary deity | Lord Shiva |
Important Festivals | |
Attraction |
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is based on an elevated height of 1330 meters near Rishikesh, in Uttrakhand. This shrine is a prominent and one of the revered shrines of India which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Since its establishment, this place has been visited by numerous Hindu pilgrims. Encircled by dense forests, this temple is adjacent to the high mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan. This temple is also ringed amid the valleys of Vishnukoot, Brahmakoot and Manikoot while is located at the merge of Madhumati and Pankaja Rivers.
The temple is well acknowledged for being surrounded by dense forests which have rare species of flora and fauna, thereby making the location mesmerizing and flawless in view.
History
As per the Hindu mythology, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple stands at a place which is also called a sacred location as it is this place where Lord Shiva ate poison Halahala which originated from sea at the time when Asuras and Devas churned the sea with an aim to obtain Amrita. This poison which emanated during churning of the sea made Lord Shiva’s throat blue in color. Henceforth the Lord Shiva is also acknowledged as Neelkanth which means the blue throat.
This makes the temple derive this name as Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
Discovery of Temple
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple was discovered during the times of tiff which took place between Duvas and Asurs.
How To Reach
By Air
The airport located near to Rishikesh is Jolly grant which is located in Dehradun. This airport connects Dehradun to Delhi and other parts of the country. There are taxi services which are available from the airport. You can hire a taxi and reach this temple.
By Rail
Rishikesh is well linked to stations of major cities in India. The trains run on regular basis from Rishikesh to different cities like Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Haridwar.
By Road
Rishikesh is impeccably connected to different cities by local and private luxury coach buses. These services are offered from Rishikesh to Kotdwar, Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri.
Important Shrines
The main and significant shrine is the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple which houses the idol of Lord Shiva. The other shrines are Laxman Jhula, Bharat Mandir, Shri Triambakeshwar Temple, and Triveni Ghats.
Significance Of The Temple
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple has a shikhara which is decorated with sculptures of Asuras and Devas which depicts Samudramanthan. The Neelkanth Mahadev present in the form of Lingum is the principal deity of this temple. The complex of this temple has an organic spring where the devotees bath and take a dip in this holy water prior to entering the site of the temple. This temple is located around 22 kms away from the Swarg Ashram while the road to this temple is trekkable and is encircled with dense forests.
Weather And Time To Visit
Rishikesh has a particularly continental kind of climate which is pleasant all throughout the year. Hence the interested people can visit and pay homage to the temple during any month of the year, however from mid September to May, it is considered ideal. Winters are pleasant and ideal for rafting and sightseeing while the summer season is cool and comfortable.
Accomodation
There are various accommodation facilities for the visitors who plan visiting and pay homage to Lord Shiva. There are numerous hotels and lodges which provide economical stay together with state of the art amenities. These hotels range from expensive hotels to economical ones which fall in the budget of the devotees.
Tips For Devotees
The tips for devotes includes that the devotees must visit the temple during the most prominent festival “Maha Shivratri”. Flock of tourists visit the temple during this festival. The devotees must have strong stamina and will power to climb to the mountain peak and reach this temple in order to pay homage to the deity. The devotees must carry ideal clothing which is decent while suits the occasion also.
Rules And Rituals Of The Temple
- Maha Shivratri is a popular festival which is celebrated here. So it is advised that the tourists visit this temple during this festival as it is considered auspicious.
- The devotees who are visiting the temple must carry water, fruits, honey, milk, flowers, and coconut together with Beal Leaves to offer to Lord Shiva.
- The two important festivals celebrated in this temple are Shraavana and Maha Shivratri.
- Individuals can trek from Haridwar to this temple and offer their puja and offerings.
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