Nilkhant Mahadeo

Neelkanth Mahadev, a place where Lord Shiva is believed to have drunk the venom that came out during the churning of the Ocean. It is 12 kms. away from Rishikesh surrounded by peaceful forests. Situated at a height of 1675 m, on a hill above Swarg Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev is one of the most revered temples of Rishikesh. This is an important Siva temple. Siva received the name Neela Kantha after drinking the poison produced from the churning of the Milk Ocean. It turned his throat blue, which is why he is also called Nilkanth. Neela meaning “blue” and kantha meaning “throat.” Every Shivratri And Shravan (mid-July to August) fairs are held here.

Legend has it that in the ancient times when the ocean was being churned for 'amrit' (Potion for immortality), first venom oozed out. Lord Shiva drank the venom at a place, which is now called Nilkanth Mahadeo.

If it is hot it is best to do this walk early in the day. The path to the temple starts behind Swarg Ashram and then goes past Mahesh Yogi’s ashram. There are regular shared jeeps to this temple from Laksman Jhula. There is a holy tree here that women tie a string to as an offering in order to get blessed with a child. An important fair is held in the Hindu month of Bhadrapad (July/August), when a visit to the temple is considered auspicious. It goes through a thick forest that borders on a wild animal preserve. Walking to Nilkanth, which is a tough trek uphill, can lead to sights of wild elephants, monkeys, and other assorted creatures. However, it is told to stay very clear of the wild elephants, (‘hati’ in Hindi). As long as they are not teased, they leave one alone without troubling; else there are chances that they attack.

From the Neela Kantha temple you can climb 2 kms. to the Parvati temple, located on top of a high hill. Another 2 kms. further up the hill is a Cave (gufa), where there is a small temple. There are good views along the way. It is a fairly hard climb to the Parvati temple and a fairly easy walk to the cave.