Neelkanth Mahadev: The most revered shrine

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Rishikesh/19 March 2016. Rishikesh --a famous religious tourist destination in Uttarakhand--is dotted around with innumerable temples.  And Shri Neelkanth Mahadev, dedicated to lord Shiva, is one of most revered holy shrines.

Let’s go to the temple with Dynamite News: 
Situated at a height of 1330 meters, the temple is about 30 kms from Rishikesh.

It is placed between the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot , Vishnukoot and surrounded by dense forest at the confluence of Pankaja and Madhumati rivers.

Legend:
According to the legend lord Shiva consumed poison Halahala that originated from the sea when devas (gods) and asuras(demons) were churning the sea (samudramanthan) in order to obtain amrita(nectar). This poison caused his throat turned blue. Thus lord Shiva is also known as Neelkhanth which means blue throat.

Temple:
The temple has many shikharas (towers) which are adorned with sculptures of devas and asuras depicting samudramanthan. The temple complex has a natural spring where pilgrims take a holy bath.

Festivals:
Everyday looks like a festival at Shri Neelkanth Mahadev  as devotees come in droves daily  to offer their prayers to the Mahadev. But Maha Shivaratri, celebrated annually in reverence of lord Shiva, is the one every devotee wants to be at the temple. It is believed to be the day that lord Shiva was married to the goddess Parvati. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the Krishna paksha chaturdashi of Bikram sambat calendar on the month of Falgun which falls in February or March.

The devotees make an offering of Bael leaves, coconut, flowers, milk, honey, fruits and water to Shiva lingam.  Many devotees trek from Haridwar to Neelkanth temple during the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.

All through the day, devotees chant "Om Namah Shivaya", the sacred mantra of lord Shiva. Penances are performed in order to gain boons in the practice of yoga and meditation. On the occasion many devotees chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra to please lord Shiva to realize their heartfelt wishes.