Neelkanth Temple

Neelkanth Temple, situated in the Rajgarh Tehsil of Alwar district, is devoted to the Neelkanth avatar of Lord Shiva. Constructed by Maharajadhiraj Mathanadeva between 6th and 9th Century CE, the temple is situated in the ruins close to the Sariska Tiger Reserve. Even though its structure has tumbledown over the period, it’s still viewed as a highly important religious site among the devotees of Lord Shiva.

The main portion of the temple is now broken while a little portion is still intact. The walls of the Neelkanth temple are adorned with sculptures that lend a sense of Mini Khajuraho to the site as many of these sculptures are built in the erotic style of Khajuraho temples. A Shivlinga is also situated inside the temple where devotees bow their heads and say prayers.

The architecture of Neelkanth Temple

Speaking about the architecture of the Neelkanth temple, there is a Rangamandapa upright on four pillars which initially had three pancharathas housing three deities. Among these three pancharathas, two have been demolished while the third one in the middle remains intact with its Shikhara.

The Jangha is ornamented with sculptures of Harihararka in the East, Narasimha in the South and Tripurantaka in the South. The doors allow ornamented figures of Natesa while the predictions carry figures of Surasndaris and Dikpalas. Besides, the ceiling of the Rangamandapa is decorated with Padmasila and sculptures of Surasundaris and Gandharvas. 

A nearer look at the spread ruins and the partly rebuilt temple exemplify the high standards seen in ancient and early medieval Indian temple art and architecture. The Mandapa ceiling of this temple, in intricate concentric patterns, show lotus flowers in full bloom, along with other floral and geometric patterns. 

The pillars and assets have attractive carvings that depict kirtimukhas, apsaras, Gandharvas, yalis, Mithuna, Saptmatrikas, and various other figures. The chief deity here is that of Neelkanth or Shiva, with a lingam protected in the Garbhagriha. The Lalatabimba of the key tomb has Natesa, while the subsidiary sanctum lalatabimbas hold deities that are now too broken to be identified. 

How to Reach Neelkanth temple?

For the air route, the nearest airport is at Jaipur which is 116 km away from the site while road travelers can take buses plying from Alwar. Also, if you choose to take a road trip in your vehicle, make sure that it’s an SUV because the route has rough terrain.

Best time to visit Neelkanth temple

The best time to visit the Neelkanth temple is between October and March as during this period you can also visit the nearby Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Tourist attractions nearby Neelkanth temple

Neelkanth is situated near the buffer zone of Sariska Tiger Sanctuary and is floating on a plateau above the hills near Rajgarh village. The temples are unnoticed by the silhouette of Rajorgarh Fort.

It is an eccentric experience for nature lovers and history admirers to stumble upon these ruins amidst fabulously green landscapes. The temples have complex carvings on pillars and some delightful statues of various mythological figures. The most significant of the temples here is the Shiva Temple.

Another great and artistic attraction near the Neelkanth temple is a huge statue of Jain Tirthankara, Shantinath, which is located close by. It is a local language known as ‘Nogaza.’ The temples are preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and are so historically important that this place has a valid reason to be categorized as a world heritage site. There is a small baori near the crumbling temple complex. 

Other tourist spots

1.    Bala Quila fort

2.    Bhangarh Fort

3.    Siliserh lake palace

4.    Moti dungari 

5.    City palace

6.    Company bagh

7.    Garbhaji falls

8.    Churi market

9.    Sarafa bazar 

10.    Kesroli