Popular Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Pauri Garhwal (near Rishikesh), Uttarakhand
Where, by tradition, Shiva held the poison of the churning of the ocean
At a glance
- Location
- Pauri Garhwal (near Rishikesh), Uttarakhand
- Presiding deity
- Lord Shiva (as Neelkanth)
- Temple type
- Popular Temple
- Tradition
- Shaiva
- Nearest railway station
- Rishikesh railway station (~32 km)
- Nearest airport
- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (~45 km)
- Best time to visit
- September to March. Darshan continues through Shravan (July-August) but the crowds are extreme.
History
The Neelkanth Mahadev temple lies in Pauri Garhwal district, about 32 km from Rishikesh, in dense forest. Its architecture shows a Dravidian influence unusual for this region. It is surrounded by the Nar-Narayan ranges.
Spiritual significance
By the legend, this is where Shiva held in his throat the halahala poison that rose from the churning of the ocean, turning his throat blue and giving him the name Neelkanth. During the month of Shravan, especially in the Kanwar season, lakhs of pilgrims come to pour water here and the approach roads are extraordinarily crowded.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
Open from morning to evening. Hours and arrangements change during Shravan and Shivratri.
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
Taxis and shared vehicles run from Rishikesh; the road is hilly and winding. Some pilgrims walk up through the forest route from Ram Jhula.
Continue your Shiva bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.