Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

When the devas and asuras churned the cosmic ocean, the first thing to surface was halahala, a poison strong enough to end creation. Shiva drank it and held it in his throat, which turned forever blue. In the forested hills above Rishikesh, the Neelkanth Mahadev temple marks the sacred spot where tradition says he sat in meditation as the poison cooled.

History of the Temple

Surrounded by the valleys of the Manikoot, Brahmakoot and Vishnukoot hills, the shrine has drawn sadhus and pilgrims for centuries. The drive or trek from Ram Jhula through dense forest is part of the pilgrimage itself.

Significance of the Temple

Neelkanth embodies the deepest promise of Shiva: he accepts the world’s poison so that others may live. Devotees offer bael leaves, water and milk to the shivling, and the temple overflows during Sawan and Shivratri when kanwariyas carry Ganga water up the hill on foot.

What to Experience

The forest road

Langurs, birdsong and glimpses of the Ganga far below make the journey unforgettable.

Shivratri in the hills

The night of Shiva here, with bhajans echoing across the valley, is celebrated with mountain simplicity.