- Shiva
Neelkanth Temple
- Haridwar,Uttarakhand
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Overview
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a Hindu sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the prominent Hindu pilgrimage site.
About The Temple
This temple was established to pay regards to Lord Shiva. The temple has an ancient architecture and a very beautiful complex, comprising of a one natural spring where devotees take a holy bath before entering the premises of the temple.
Legend and Stories
According to the mythological stories, this is the place where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that appeared from the 'Sagar Manthan' (churning of ocean). After drinking the poison, Lord Shiva's throat turned blue and since then, Lord Shiva is also known as 'Neelkantha' (The one having blue throat).
Festivals
Maha Shivaratri is the most prominent festival celebrated in the temple and lots of devotees flock to the temple during the festival. The devotees who pay a visit to Neelkanth Mahadev make an offering of Bael leaves, coconut, flowers, milk, honey, fruits and water to the Lord Shiva. The temple observes two fairs that are held annually on the occasions of Maha Shivratri (Feb-Mar) and Shivratri of Shraavana (month of Hindu calendar) (July-Aug) during which the devotees (Kawarias) trek from Haridwar to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Prasad and Offering
The devotees who pay a visit to ‘Neelkanth Mahadev' make an offering of coconut, flowers, milk, honey, fruits and water to the Lord Shiva. The ‘prasad’, consists of ‘vibhuti’ (ashes), ‘chandan’ (sandal-wood) and other holy things from the shrine.
Accessibility
The nearest airport to Pauri Garhwal District is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), located at about the distance of 155 kms away from Pauri. Jolly Grant Airport is well-connected to Delhi through regular air services. One can hire taxis from Jolly Grant to Pauri Garhwal. The closest railway station from Pauri is Kotdwar, about 108 kms away from Pauri Garhwal. Pauri Garhwal District is well connected with many cities and towns in the region of Uttarakhand by state and private buses. Private and State buses ply from Pauri Garhwal to Rishikesh (117 km) and Kotdwar (108 km) and vice-versa. Pauri Garhwal is then further connected to Haridwar, Dehradun and Mussoorie via Rishikesh and Kotdwar.
Temple Address
Sri Neelkanth Temple / Neelkantha Mahadev,
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To get success
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
The temple is open from 5.00 am to 6.00 pm.