Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Uttarakhand: 2026 Guide

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple History

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple has a great history and mythology rooted in the legends of Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean). 

Mythological Background

During the Samudra Manthan period, gods and demons churned the cosmic ocean to obtain Amrita, but the lethal poison was on the surface before the emergence of Amrita, which threatened to destroy all creation. Lord Shiva consumed the poison, and to prevent the poison from spreading through his body, Devi Parvati gripped his neck, and his throat turned blue, which gave him the name “Neelkanth.” 

Another legend suggests that Lord Shiva meditated at this sacred spot under a tree named Panchpani (Peepal) to reduce the toxic effects of poison. After his meditation, a self-manifested Shivalinga emerged here beneath a Peepal tree, which is a key highlight of this spot. 

Architectural History and Style

While the site is ancient, the modern temple was built by a local priest named “Mekh Chand” over the spot where Lord Shiva meditated. The architecture of the temple features a modern and colorful Dravidian Style.

The temple is adorned with intricate sculptures, depicting the scenes of the Samudra Manthan period. The main sanctum houses a swayambhu Shivlinga shaped like a throat. A natural spring named “Amrit Kund” is within a complex where devotees take a holy bath. 

Natural Highlights: The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is situated on the sacred confluence of the Pankaja and Madhumati rivers, which is auspicious for ritual bathing before entering the shrine. The natural surroundings of the temple, including dense forest and hills, are another added attraction in its significance. 

How To Reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

The Neelkath Mahadev temple is located 36 km away, and is accessible by road, by car, or via a scenic Neelkanth temple trek on foot. Here is a breakdown on how to reach the Neelkanth Mahadev temple. 

By Air: In Dehradun Town, Jolly Grant Airport, the nearest airport to the Neelkanth Mahadev temple, is approximately 43 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi to reach the temple. 

By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station, 36 km away from the temple, is the closest railway station to the temple. From there, you can take a taxi or local bus to reach the temple. Haridwar Junction is the second nearest railway station. From there, you can easily find local transport to the Neelkanth Mahadev temple. 

By Road: Neelkanth Mahadev temple is easily accessible by road via car or taxi from Rishikesh or Haridwar. Take a state-run bus from your city to Rishikesh or Haridwar. From there, proceed to the temple. 

From Rishikesh

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is easily accessible from Rishikesh by road via taxi, shared taxi, or local bus. Alternatively, to make your journey more adventurous, the trekking route is also available from Ram Jhula and Swarg Ashram in Rishikesh. 

• Rishikesh Distance: Rishikesh to Neelkanth distance is approximately 32 km by road.

• Travel Time: 1 to 2 hours, depending on road conditions or traffic.

• Travel Option: Car/Taxi, or local Buses are easily available for Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir from the Rishikesh bus stand. 

• By Trek: For a more adventurous approach, you can also reach by a 12 km scenic Neelkanth temple trek route, which starts from Swarg Ashram or Ram Jhula in Rishikesh. 

From Haridwar

Haridwar is another major transport hub of Uttarakhand. To reach the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple from Haridwar, you must cover a distance of about 51 km by road. Firstly, reach Rishikesh and then proceed to the temple. Here is a breakdown of distance, travel time, and travel options. 

• Haridwar Distance: Haridwar to Neelkanth distance is approximately 51 km by road. 

• Travel Time: 2 to 2.5 hours. 

• Travel Option: taxi, cab, or bus to Rishikesh or directly to Neelkanth Mahadev temple. 

• Tip: Start your trip early to avoid city traffic.

Neelkanth Mahadev Distance Guide

Here is the key distance of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple from major cities.

Neelkanth Mahadev Uttarakhand Weather

Here is a breakdown of the Neelkanth Mahadev weather and temperature by season.

Summer Season (April-June)

Summer in the Neelkanth Mahadev temple is warm and hot, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C and crisp air and hot wind. It is considered peak pilgrimage season, so it's advised to start their journey early in the morning to avoid the pilgrim crowd and midday heat. 

Monsoon season (July-August)

Monsoon rainfall occurs, causing landslides and making trails slippery. The weather is pleasant with high humidity, and the temperature ranges between 25°C and 30°C, experiencing lush greenery with vibrant scenery. It is considered a significant time period, as this is the Shravan month, and Rishikesh is hosting festivals such as Kawar Mela and Shravan Month Shivratri. 

Autumn Season (Sep-Oct)

The post-monsoon period experiences pleasant weather with mild temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. This period offers fresh scenery with lush and vibrant landscapes and crisp, clear skies, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and temple visits. 

Winter season (Nov-Mar)

Winters are cold and harsh, with potential snow and temperatures ranging from 8°C to 20°C. Days and nights are cool with crisp mountain air. serene atmosphere and accessibility, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. 

Best Time To Visit Neelkanth Uttarakhand

The Neelkanth Mahadev temple is an all-year-round accessible pilgrimage site; you can visit anytime of the year. The best time to visit depends on an individual’s preference and travel style; while spring and summer (March-June) are ideal for a comfortable experience, and the Shravan months (July-August, monsoon) are for a spiritual experience. Here is a brief on the best time to visit based on weather and festivals. 

• Summer and Autumn Months: April to June and September to October are ideal months to visit, experiencing pleasant weather with fresh air, clear skies, and lovely mountain views, making it the perfect time for a peaceful and comfortable experience with smaller crowds. 

• Monsoon/Shravan Months (July-August): This time, the Neelkanth Temple Uttarakhand hosts the annual Kawar Mela, which attracts more devotees. The Crowd level is high at this time, which affects the experience.
  
  

• Winter Months: from November to March, are an excellent time for a peaceful travel experience with cold weather.  Festivals, like Mahashivaratri, are celebrated at this time, and the atmosphere is filled with devotees and divine energy.

Pro Tip for Visitors: If you travel for a spiritual purpose, visit during the Mahashivratri and Shravan periods, and if you want a peaceful and comfortable experience, visit during the summer and autumn months. 

Hotels Near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh

There are several Neelkanth hotels and resorts near the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, offering various amenities at various price ranges. Rishikesh, the Ram Jhula Area, and the Neelkanth Temple Road are major areas to stay near the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. 

Places To Stay Near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

• Rishikesh: There are so many hotels in Rishikesh, from budget to luxury options. The railway station and Rishikesh Tapovan area offer numerous options, including budget hotels, guesthouses, and resorts. 

• Neelkanth Temple Road: Camp stays and basic hotels are easily available in proximity to the temple. 

Suggested options are:

Places To Visit Near Neelkanth Rishikesh

Scenic Waterfalls: Waterfalls such as Patna Waterfall and Neer Garh Waterfall are scenic waterfalls located on the route to Neelkanth Temple Rishikesh. 

Parmarth Niketan Ashram: There are so many beatless ashrams in Rishikesh, and Parmarth Niketan Ashram is one of them, located on the route to Neelkanth Mahadev temple, surrounded by dense oak forest and picturesque valleys, providing an opportunity for meditation and inner peace. 

Suspension Bridges: Bridges such as Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, located over the Ganges River, provide panoramic views of the Himalayas. 

Rajaji National Park: Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary near Rishikesh is a popular site for unique flora and fauna, ideal for jungle safaris and nature walks. 

Triveni Ghat: Triveni Ghat is a holy bath spot in Rishikesh, known for its spiritual ambiance and divine Ganga Aarti. 

Shivpuri Rishikesh: Shivpuri Rishikesh is another scenic site, famous for adventurous sports like camping and river rafting in Rishikesh. 

Travel Tips For Visitors

• Plan your trip: Plan your trip wisely, including travel time and stay time. Keep a one- or two-day buffer, as a huge crowd during the peak season can cause delays. 

• Dress Modestly: Neelkanth Mahadev is a holy site, so modest attire covering shoulders and knees is recommended.

• Pack Essentials: pack smart and light, and carry all the essentials, from clothing to a medical kit, water bottles and light snacks, small backpacks, etc. 

• Respectful Behavior: Be respectful in your behavior, follow the local customs and guidelines of the temple. 

• Avoid the Monsoon: The monsoon brings heavy rain, which makes travel risky or difficult, so avoid it. 

• Book Hotels in Rishikesh: Rishikesh has a wider range of accommodation options at a better price than Neelkanth temple road, so choose stay in Rishikesh and book in advance. 

• Start your trip early from Rishikesh: To avoid city traffic and reach before sunset, start your journey early from Rishikesh. 

• Temple Time: Visit during early morning or late afternoon to avoid waiting in long darshan queues. 

FAQs

1. What is the Neelkanth Temple Famous For?

Neelkanth Mahadev is a famous sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It holds great mythological significance, believed to be a site where Lord Shiva drank poison, and is also renowned for its stunning natural setting, amidst towering Himalayan peaks and dense forest. 

2. How to visit Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir?

Neelkanth Mandir Rishikesh is easily accessible by road via scenic drive from Rishikesh or Haridwar. To reach Neelkanth Mahadev temple, firstly, visit to Rishikesh by road or train. From there, take a taxi or bus to the temple. 

3. Is Neelkanth Mahadev Temple a Jyotirlinga?

No, Neelkanth Mahadev temple is not a part of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, but it is a significant site for pilgrimage. Believed to be a site of Lord Shiva's cosmic energy and spiritual embodiment. 

4. How Far is Neelkanth from Rishikesh?

The Neelkanth temple from Rishikesh is approximately 36 km, which can be covered by a scenic short drive via taxi or bus, taking almost 1-2 hours. 

5. Why is Shiva called Neelkanth?

There is a Mythology behind it, which is why Shiva is called Neelkanth, which is linked with the legend of Samudra Manthan. According to the mythology, to save the world from destruction, Lord Shiva drank Halahal vish (poison), which turned his throat blue and gave him the name “Neelkanth.” 

6. Is Neelkanth worth visiting?

Yes, Neelkanth is absolutely worth visiting, as the spiritual and divine atmosphere and surrounding scenery make it a perfect spot for spiritual seekers and adventurous enthusiasts.

7. What is the dress code for Neelkanth Mahadev Rishikesh?

Neelkanth Mandir Rishikesh is a holy site, so wear modest and comfortable attire for peaceful worship. 

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