Rishikesh is the gateway to the Chardhams namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath. Devotees of almighty god Shiva who wish to visit Kedranath, must visit Neelkanth temple that is dedicated to God Shiva.
The Nelkanth temple is located 32 kms from Rishikesh at an altitude of 1330 mtrs. The mountain on which it is located, is surrounded by the Himlayan range. It is situated parallel to Nar-Narayan moutains. The temple is surrounded on 3 sides by 3 valleys namely Manikoot, Brahmakoot & Vishnukoot & is at the confluence of 2 returning rivers namely Pankaja & Madhumati.
According to the ancient history, the temple is located at the place where god Shiva consumed Halahal (Kalkut poison) & held it at his throat, due to which he was named ‘Neelkanth’. The story goes that Devs (Gods) & Asurs (Demons) churned the Samudra (ocean) using Mount Mandara. 14 items got out of Samudra-manthan, one of which was Halahal (Kalkut poison) that if allowed to release, would destroy the earth. All the devs & asurs requested god Shiva to stop Halahal from spreading. Almighty God Shiva decided to consume it & held it at his throat, due to which it turned ‘blue’. Due to this, he started being called as ‘Neelkanth’.
When you enter the temple, the top of its entrance door depicts the story of Samudra-manthan. Its inner walls depict the story of Samudra-manthan. It is said that in order to minimise the effect of Halahal poison, God Shva meditated for 60,000 years at the confluence of rivers Pankaja & Madhumati under Panchpani tree. This is where the Garbh Gruh of the temple is situated. A natural spring is located inside the temple where devotees take a holy dip before entering the temple.
It is said that those who visit Neelkanth temple on Maha Shivratri, their wishes get fulfilled, after which they return to pay tribute to God Shiva. Devotees can reach this temple by two-wheeler, four-wheeler or by jeeps. There are also some hotels located before the temple, where people can stay.
