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Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – Timing, Significance and History

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Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is an architectural dedication to Lord Shiva. The shrine is 32 km away from Rishikesh, in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The temple got its fine architecture from its creator Mekh Chand (Shadhu). The chief deity of the temple is ‘Neelkanth’, a manifestation of Lord Shiva with a blue throat forth the installation of poison.

Neelkanth-Mahadev-Temple-introduction
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple situated in Pauri Garhwal.

The temple sits comfortably in the laps of Manikoot, Vishnukoot and Brahmakoot hills. It is at the point of meet of the rivers, Pankaja and Madhumati. Consequently, lying 12kms away on a hilltop proximate to the Swarga Ashram, which is another religious site nearby. Moreover, the temple is at a height of 1330 metres.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – Facts

Temple Timings6am – 11pm
Opening and Closing DateOpen 365 days
Time required for Darshan1 hour
Entry FeeNo fee
Festivals 2019Maha Shivratri
Shivratri of Shravan
Best Time to VisitJuly or August
Nearest AirportJolly Grant Airport in Dehradun
LocationPauri, Garhwal

What are the timings of Neelkanth Mahadev?

You can visit the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple between:

Timings From
Open6:00 am
Close11:00 pm

What is the significance of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?

The temple is significantly known for the sculptures of Asuras and Devas inscribed on the temple’s Shikara depicting the mythological occurrence of ‘Samudra Manthan’. Moreover, ‘Neelkanth Mahadev’ is the prominent deity of the temple.

Neelkanth-Mahadev-Significance
After installing the poison originated from Samudramamthan in his throat, Lord Shiva came to be known as Neelkanth Mahadev

As is the ritual, a Shivalingam resides here too and devotees tie a thread around it while worshipping. Also, devotees make a lot of offerings of Bael leaves, coconut, flowers, milk, honey, fruits and water.

There is a natural spring in the temple where devotees dip in to take the Holy Bath before entering the pious premises of the temple.

What is the history of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?

The history of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple dates back to the mythological occurrence of the episode of Samudra Manthan. The incident observed the churning of the ocean by both Asuras and Devas in the pursuit of Amrit (elixir). However, during Samudramanthan, Amrit did come out but was accompanied by poison.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple History
The event of the churning of the ocean by both demons and gods in the desire of Amrit came to be known as Samudramanthan

The poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean was called ‘Halahal’ and its believed to have had the level of toxicity close to destroying the whole of the creation.

Since nobody could consume the poison, Lord Shiva stepped in for it. Although he did not consume the poison but he installed it in his throat. Soon after his throat turned blue and hence, he became popular as ‘Neelkanth’, literally translating to ‘The Blue Throated One’. However, after some time the poison began to cause inflammation in his throat.

That’s when he found the famous Peepal Tree and meditated under it for about 60,000 years and established a holy clod called Pind there. Hence, that’s how the sacred place where Lord Shiva meditated to get away with the pain from the poison in his throat, became the temple which is a main attraction among the devotees worldwide.

What is inside the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?

  • The temple extends its land to the sacred Shivalingam that sits inside the temple at all its glory. Adorned with the flowers and offerings made by the devotees, the Shivalingam inside the temple is the worshipped site.
  • However, there is a Peepal tree right outside the Shivalingam site, expected to be ages old. And the tree is also believed to be the one under which Lord Shiva meditated to lessen the burn from the poison. After that, he left for Kailash. Moreover, statues of other gods and goddesses are also placed inside.
  • The uniqueness of the temple lies in its serenity. The temple gives a lot of calmness to its visitor in spite of all the hush going around. The holy chantings and the buzz of the prayers all around set every soul to peace.
Inside Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
The place in the temple where people tie threads with the hope of wish fulfiment by Lord Shiva.

What are the festivals celebrated at Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?

The main festival celebrated at Neelkanth Mahadev Temple are:

  1. Maha Shivratri: The festival is a celebration of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe him to be Adi guru and the ultimate source of Yogi tradition. Activities like remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, practicing Yoga, making offerings to the deity, as well as meditating are done on this . Two fairs namely, Maha Shivratri in the months of Feb or March and Shivratri of Shravan in the months of July or August are observed annually .
  2. Kanwar Yatra of Shravan: During this month, devotees carrying Kawars travel day and night on foot from different places to offer Ganga Jal to the temple.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple- Festivals
Devotees carry Kawar on their shoulders filled with Ganga Jal to pour it onto the Shivlingam at Neelkanth Mahadev

How to reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?

Here’s how to reach the temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (49 km)
  • Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh which 32 km away from the temple.
  • Road: Buses are available to Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Then, one can hire a taxi or avail a bus from Rishikesh to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.

However, after reaching the nearest point of the temple, you have to take a walk to the holy site of worship.

The visitors can also enjoy campsite activities, river rafting etc at Rishikesh either after coming back from the temple or while going.

Where to stay near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

  • Ganga Kinare-A riverside boutique hotel: Spacious rooms loaded with all the basic amenities to add to the guests comfort is there. The Ayur Ganga Spa at the hotel also offers a diverse range of Indian and International treatments to rejuvenate the body and soul.
  • The V Resort: The resort offers a 24-hour front desk, travel desk, and doctor-on-call. Guests can also relax in the game room, have a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or visit the spa for a relaxing massage. Its the perfect getaway place to be at.
  • Green Hills Cottage: The rooms available here have the best of the amenities. Moreover the hotel has the best of both interiors. Also, a 24/7 helpdesk is at your service at all times.

Please carry valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card. It is needed at the time of booking of hotel rooms.

What to eat here?

Well, one can take delicious taste of the Garhwali and Pahadi cuisine here. And have the taste of dishes like, Gahat ke Parathe with Bhaang ki chutney (a speciality), Kafuli which is a tasty blend of Proteins etc.

Eating-nearby-Neelkanth-Mahadev-Temple
The famous chutney from Pahadi Cuisine – Bhaang Ki Chutney

What are some temples near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?

Some of the temples near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple are:

  • Dhari Devi Temple: This temple is situated by the river of Alaknanda in Uttarakhand. The goddess worshipped here is Goddess Dhari. The deity is also the guardian of Uttarakhand and protects the Char Dhams. Dhari Devi is 128.5 km away from Neelkanth Mahadev temple.
  • Chandi Devi Temple: Chandi Devi Temple is atop Neel Parvath in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. As the name suggests, the temple is devotion to Goddess Chandi. However, it is also one of the Panch Teerth in Haridwar. The temple is around 54kms away from the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
  • Mansa Devi Temple: Mansa Devi Temple is the shrine of goddess Mansa, on top of Bilwa Parbat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Also popular as ‘Bilwa Tirth’, the temple is among the Panch tirth within Haridwar. This temple is a holy shrine located around 51 km away from the temple.
Dhari Devi Temple

These temples are also a part of Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand.

Frequently asked questions about Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:

What is the location of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located 32 km away from Rishikesh in the district of Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.

How do you get to Neelkanth Temple?

Neelkanth Mahadev temple is at a distance of 32 km from Rishikesh, one can reach the temple by the hired taxi from Ram Jhula in Rishikesh. It also has Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, 49 Kilometres away from it.

Why Shiva is known as Neelkanth?

Due to the installed poison in the throat, Lord Shiva’s throat turned blue hence he got the name, ‘NeelKanth’.

How do I get to the Neelkanth from Dehradun?

One can board the bus from ISBT Dehradun to Rishikesh and from there you can choose to hire a taxi and cab to cover the distance of 32 km to the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

When is the best time to visit the temple?

The best to visit the temple is in the pious month of Shravan during July and August. Also, the weather during the months is favourable.

Is photography permitted in the temple premises?

Yes, photography is permitted in the temple premises.

What are the temperatures in Neelkanth Mahadev Temple?

In summers, the temperature can go up to 45°C and in winters can fall down to 2°C.

Are warm clothes recommended in Neelkanth Mahadev temple in the month of August?

Yes, it is best to carry warm clothes as one might just need them during the nights in August.

Lakhamandal Temple Dehradun – Timings, History and Guide

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Lakhamandal temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is present in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. The name the complex has origins in the words ‘Lakha‘ meaning ‘many‘ and ‘Mandal‘ meaning ‘Temples or Lingam‘. Moreover, devotees believe that a visit to this temple is capable of absolving one’s sins.

Lakhamandal – Facts

Deity Lord Shiva
Location Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun district, Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit October to March
Darshan Timings 7 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fees Free
Dress Code Traditional Wear
Festivals Mahashivratri

The Shivling here is made of graphite which shines on pouring water on it.

It also ends the miseries of life. River Yamuna flows near the village in which Lakhamandal is present. It is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.

What are the timings of Lakhamandal?

Here are the timings of Lakhamandal:

OpenClose
Timings7 AM6 PM

What is the significance of Lakhamandal?

The significance of Lakhamandal is the main attraction of the temple complex is a Shivalingam made of graphite. When water is poured over Shivalingam, it reflects the light and shines, hence illuminating its surroundings. Also, the temple has the northern Indian style of architecture (Huna architecture).

Lakhamandal Intro
The Shivling is made of graphite which shines on pouring water on it.

Beliefs also say that a person who dies in front of the twin statues of Manav and Danav momentarily returns to life. This is because Manav keeps the person alive while Danav takes the person’s soul to Lord Vishnu’s divine abode.

What is the history of  Lakhamandal?

Lakhamandal History 1
Lakshyagraha – A house of shellac.

The history of Lakhamandal is that the temple is present near the place where Duryodhana conspired to burn Bhaskara alive in Lakshyagraha (a house of shellac). Moreover, two statues of Manav and Danav are present near the main shrine and devotees consider them to be of Pandava brothers Bhima and Arjuna.

Lakhamandal History 2
The statue resembles Jai and Vijay, the doormen of Lord Vishnu.

These statues are the dwarpals (door guards) of the shrine. They also resemble Jai and Vijay, the doormen of Lord Vishnu. Dhundhi Odaari is a cave present near Lakhamandal and devotees believe that it is the place where Pandavas hid in order to protect themselves from their cousin Duryodhana. Dhund means “fog” and odaari means “cave“.

Lakhamandal History 3
Pandavas hid in the Dhundhi Odaari cave in order to protect themselves from Duryodhana.

Festivals celebrated at Lakhamandal

The main festival celebrated at Lakhamandal is:

  • Mahashivratri: This festival is in the honor of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that he is the Adi guru who is the source of the Yogi tradition.  It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga, making offerings to the deity, as well as meditating.
Lakhamandal Festivals
Mahashivratri is celebrated at the temple.

How to reach Lakhamandal?

Here’s how to reach Lakhamandal:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (130 km away).
  • Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun railway station (107 km away from Lakhamandal).
  • Road: Buses to Chakrata are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate. One can hire a bus or taxi from Chakrata to Lakhamandal.

Where to stay near Lakhamandal?

Some of the places where one can stay near Lakhamandal while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

  • Hotel Shiva Residency: The property offers a multi-cuisine restaurant, conference hall, doctor on call, safe deposit lockers, travel desk, laundry, secretarial services, generator back-up as well as Wi-Fi internet facility.
  • Hotel Saffron Leaf: 4 km from ISBT and Dehradun Railway Station, the hotel offers a fitness center, travel assistance, and a multi-cuisine restaurant.
  • Hotel LP Residency:  The hotel is a perfect retreat for visitors and business travelers. It offers WiFi, parking, laundry, room service, credit card acceptance and many more. 

Please carry valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card. It is needed at the time of booking of the rooms.

What are some temples near Lakhamandal?

Some of the temples near Lakhamandal are:

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi: The temple is one of the most sacred temples in Uttarakhand, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is present on the banks of river Bhagirathi and is one of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand. The Shiva lingam here is 56cm in height and is tilted towards the South. The lingam is a Swayambhu, that is, the lord has manifested the lingam himself. During the Magh Mela, devotees visit the temple to take a holy dip in the river Bhagirathi. It is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.
  • Shakti Temple: This temple is present on the opposite side of the Vishwanath temple in Uttarkashi and is in honor of Goddess Parvati. Also, the main attraction of the temple is a huge ‘Trishool‘ which is 6 meters high. Moreover, it is over 1500 years old.
Lakhamandal Nearby

Devprayag

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Devprayag is the last confluence of river Alaknanda (Panch Prayag) in the descending order. The place is rooted in the confluence of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. Moreover, the holy confluence occurs in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand. From this Prayag, Alaknanda and Bhagirathi unify and flow as Ganga river.

The place draws its name from sage Dev Sharma from Satyug. Beliefs suggest that sage Dev Sharma worshipped Lord Vishnu at this place. Hence, being impressed by him, Lord Vishnu gave him the boon that his place of worship will be known by his name in the coming times.

Bhagirathi originates from Gaumukh and Alaknanda from Satopanth and the two merge right at this place. Devprayag is a famous pilgrimage destination on the Char Dham Yatra route.

Chronicles of Devprayag

Hindu mythology highlights Devprayag as the place where Lord Ram meditated for repentance after killing Ravana. Since Brahmin murder was a considerable sin during the time. Hence after killing Ravana, Lord Ram came here to wash his sins away on the advice of the sages of his court.

Chronicles of Devprayag
Lord Ram meditated for years here in Devprayag for repentance of the sin of killing Ravana who was a brahmin

Moreover, traditional tales talk about another river that belongs to this confluence named Saraswati. It is predicted to be originating from Mana Village in Badrinath. However, in Devprayag, the river descends from the feet of Lord Rama in Raghunath Temple. Also, there is evidence of footprints of Lord Rama at “Ram Kunda“.

In accordance with one of the tales, King Bhagirath pursued Goddess Ganga to flow from this prayag which is now the starting point of the river.

Essence of the Confluence

Devprayag is highlighted in History as the land of late Acharya, Pt. Chakradhar Joshi. Acharya set up Nakshatra Veda Shala on the mountain Dashrathanchal on top of Devprayag in 1946. This observatory is packed with the latest equipments.

Essence of Devprayag
He was the one who set up Nakshatra Ved Shala near Devprayag

Other than that ancient equipment like Surya Ghati, Dhruv Ghati is also present here. This observatory is the living pride of progress of Indians in Astronomy.

Devprayag is significantly known for being surrounded by 3 heavenly peaks, named Giddhanchal Parvat, Dashrathanchal Parvat, and Narsinghancal Parvat.

Moreover, devotees worship Lord Shiva here in the form of Tondeshwar Mahadev and Dhaneshwar Mahadev. The devotees also flock here to visit Mata Bhuvneshwari temple in village Pundal. Other popular temples nearby are Danda Nagaraja (Lord of Snakes) temple and Chandrabadni temple

A very interesting fact about the two rivers is that Bhagirathi is considered the mother-in-law of Alaknanda in the Garhwal region.

Ways to Reach Devprayag

Here’s how to reach Devprayag:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport. It is at a distance of 91 km from Devprayag.
  • Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. It is at a distance of 72 km from Devprayag. The
  • Road: Buses to Devprayag and Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate. However, The last Prayag is on NH58.

Stays nearby Devprayag

Stays near Devprayag that one can undertake during Char Dham Yatra are:

  • The Ramkund Resort: The hotel is absolute divinity for the guests. Apart from the availability of all luxuries, it provides beautiful interiors and exteriors to them. Also, the staff is very cordial.
  • Hotel Chakasha Govindam: The hotel offers a comfortable and hygienic stay to its guests. Moreover, there is a 24/7 help desk only a call away. Nonetheless, the stay here is budget-friendly.
  • Moteldev:  It offers all the modern facilities to its guests. Additionally, the guests can also avail recreational activities like trekking, yoga and meditation. The guests can also avail a village safari here.

Other Panch Prayags

The other Panch Prayag destinations are:

  • Vishnuprayag: Vishnuprayag is present 1372 metres above sea level and is the first Prayag considering the route of river Alaknanda. It is at a distance of 189.1 km from Devprayag.
  • Nandaprayag: It is the second confluence after Vishnuprayag. The place observes the Sangam of Alaknanda with Nandakini here. It is at a distance of 119 km from final Prayag.
  • Karnaprayag: It is present at the confluence of river Alaknanda with river Pindar, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is the third confluence in line after Nandaprayag. It is 98.9 km away from Devprayag.
  • Rudraprayag: Located at the confluence of river Alaknanda and Mandakini, in Uttarakhand. It has an average elevation of 895 metres and is fourth among the Prayag. It is 67.3 km away from Devprayag.

The Panch Prayag is a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Devprayag

Can devotees visit Devprayag in monsoons?

Devotees must refrain from going here during monsoons as there are risks of landslides.

What is Devprayag famous for?

It is famously known as the origin of river Ganga.

Which rivers merge at this Prayag?

It is the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi.

Read interesting facts about Panch Prayag in Panch Prayag- Five sacred confluences in Uttarakhand.

Haridwar Yatra Guide – Temples, Aarti, Things to Do

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In the Land of Gods, Haridwar situated on the banks of River Ganga is one of the pinnacles of pilgrimage that every Hindu devotee must make to pay obeisance to the holy trinity as well as the ultimate Mother Goddess Adi Parashakti or Sati. Haridwar is a place with high spiritual value for it’s not only a place sacred to the Shaivites and the Vaishnavites but also an important site of worship for the devotees of the Shaktism sect.

The distinction can be observed by the interpretation of the meaning of the name Haridwar or Hardwar itself. Shaivites prefer the name Hardwar – “Har” being another name of Lord Shiva and “Dwar” meaning the Gate. Hardwar to them represents “Gateway to Lord Shiva’s abode”.  The journey to reach Mount Kailash for devotees begins here. For the Vaishnavites, the name Haridwar means “Hari”, another name of Lord Vishnu and “Dwar” meaning the Gate.

The city is the gateway to reach Badrinath, one of the most important temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Haridwar is also believed to be the abode of Goddess Sati. It is a belief that Daksha, her father resided at Haridwar in a celestial palace.

The city of Haridwar is mentioned in several Puranas and holy texts. In the Devi Bhagavatam, Haridwar is mentioned as a famous pilgrimage center. The city is also mentioned in the epic Ramayana and several times in the Mahabharata. The Vayu Purana and the Nilamata Purana also mention the holy importance of the region of Gangadwara.

Haridwar History

  • The city of Haridwar is believed to one of the oldest inhabited city in the world. Several archeological findings have proved that human civilization existed and flourished in the region as early as 1200 BC.
  • Haridwar was ruled by the Mauryas (322-185 BC) and then by the Kushanas (1st – 3rd century AD).
  • Writings of the Chinese traveler Huan Tsang who visited India in 629 AD under the reign of King Harshavardhan state the existence of fort and several temples at the region.
  • The first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak visited Haridwar and bathed in the Kushawarta Ghat (Kankhal),
  • The famous Mughal Emperor Akbar visited Haridwar and took a dip in River Ganga and drank her water as a mark of respect. Raja Man Singh of Amber laid down the foundation for construction and renovation of several Ghats at Haridwar.

Significance of Haridwar

  • According to the Garuda Purana, Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places or Moksha Sthalas as per Hinduism. The other six are Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, Kanchipuram, Ujjain, and Dwarka. These places are of great religious and spiritual importance where either God has taken an avatar (Mathura and Ayodhya) or has great mythological value like Ujjain, Haridwar, Dwarka, and Varanasi.
  • The city of Haridwar was also called Gangadwar in ancient times. The River Ganga enters the Indo-Gangetic plains of North India at Haridwar after its origin at Gaumukh at Gangotri.
  • According to the Samudra Manthan event in Hinduism, Haridwar is one of the four places where drops of Amrit accidently fell to earth when carried by Garuda. The other three places are Allahabad, Nashik, and Ujjain. These four places celebrate the grand Kumbh Mela to commemorate the significance of the event.
  • The city is also the gateway of the famed Chhota Char Dham pilgrimage of holy places in the state of Uttarakhand. These Char Dhams are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
  • Taking a dip in Brahma Kund, at Har Ki Pauri Ghat is considered the most sacred bath any Hindu could perform. This is the spot where the Amrit fell on the Earth. It is believed that taking a dip here will wash away all the sins committed in a lifetime.
  • The holy surroundings of Haridwar are also believed to be the place where the holy Saint Kapila had an Ashram and did penance here. This place is also referred to as Kapilasthana in ancient scripts.
  • At the Ghat of Har ki Pauri, one can witness Lord Vishnu’s footprints that are worshiped with great reverence here.

Places of pilgrimage in Haridwar

The pilgrims take the famed “Pancha Tirtha” pilgrimage within Haridwar to receive the blessings from all the Gods and the Goddesses residing here. These five places are:

  • Mansa Devi Temple or the Bilwa Tirtha

The Temple is located atop the Bilwa Parvat at approximately 2.5 km distance from the city center. The Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa or Manasa. The Temple is one of the three Siddha Peethas located in Haridwar. The Goddess is widely worshiped in Bengal, North-East and certain regions in Southern India.

The Sanctum or the Garbhagriha houses two idols of the deity that are worshiped – one with eight arms and the other with three heads and five arms.

Mansa Devi Temple Legend

  1. The parentage of Goddess Manasa is till date contested by several versions in the Puranas. Some believe that Goddess Manasa was the creation of Lord Shiva (hence his daughter) when his seed touched the idol erected by Kadru, the wife of Sage Kashyap. Kadru was the Mother of the Snake people. Goddess Parvati was extremely jealous of her. Suspecting Manasa of being a co-wife, she burned one of her eyes. Goddess Manasa became the chief of snakes and is believed to be the one who saved Lord Shiva from being poisoned during the Samudra Manthan episode. Tired of the constant fighting between Chandi and Manasa, Lord Shiva left her under a tree with a companion called Neto.
  2. The other theory related to her birth is that she was the daughter of Sage Kashyapa and Kadru and the sister of the King of Serpents, Vasuki. Goddess Manasa married Jagatkaru on Kashyapa’s advise on the condition that she will never disobey him. One day, she woke him up late and as a result left her. On the request of Gods, he returned later and they had a son together named Astika.
  3. Disgruntled by the disputed parentage, angered by Chandi’s (Goddess Parvati) ignorance and disappointed by her husband’s behavior, the Goddess demanded that the mortals worship her. She was calm and caring to the devotees who worshiped her and rained calamity on the devotees who did not worship her.

Significance of the shrine

  1. It is believed that a sincere wish of a devotee made to the Goddess never goes unfulfilled. The locals believe that as a mark of respect, one ties a thread around the branches of a sacred tree denoting the wish. After the wish is fulfilled, the devotee should return and remove the thread.
  2. It is believed that the Goddess controls snakes. Hence, devotees visit her to cure snake bites, curses and other snake-related issues in their horoscopes. She is also believed to bestow fertility and family harmony.

Temple Timings

The Temple opens daily at 8 AM and closes at 5 PM. The Temple is closed for darshan between 12 PM to 2 PM.

How to reach the shrine

There are two routes to reach the shrine. One way is the traditional 1.5 km trek route to reach the peak.  The other way is the cable-car service called as the “Udan Khatola” service in the local language.

  • Gangadwar or Har Ki Pauri

The world famous Ghat along the banks of River Ganga is an epitome of sanctity. The devotees religiously believe that this is the place where Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva visited the Brahma Kund. One can also view the footsteps believed to belong to Lord Vishnu at the Ghat premises. This is the site where River Ganga actually enters the mainlands of India from the Himalayan mountain range. This is also the site where millions of devotees take a holy dip in River Ganga during the grand occasion of the Kumbh Mela. Every evening, the highly spiritual Ganga Aarti is held at 6:30 PM where hundreds of devotees light small lamps and let them afloat in the holy River with a small prayer in heart.

Any devotee or a tourist irrespective of caste, creed or religion must come and visit this place to experience the ultimate spirituality and the peacefulness that descends on the people witnessing the grand spectacle.

  • Kushawart (Kankhal)

The small town of Kankhal is located within Haridwar at a distance of 4 km from the city center. The site of Kankhal is mentioned in numerous ancient scripts and has a huge spiritual value. This is the place where it is believed that Goddess Sati immolated herself in protest of an insult to her consort Lord Shiva by her father Daksha.

Kushawart Temple Legend

The Daksheshwara Mahadev Temple is associated with the famous legend of Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva. This story is the basis of the Sthala Puranam and creation of Goddess Parvati herself. As per the legend, Daksha Prajapati, son of Lord Brahma did not want his daughter Sati to marry Lord Shiva. However, Goddess Sati married Shiva as she had always desired to do so. As a result, Daksha did not invite Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva to the Yagna he was conducting at the site. Sati wanted to participate in the Yagna and wanted Lord Shiva to accompany him. However, he refused. But against his wishes, Sati went to the Yagna. Upon arrival, she was humiliated and insulted by her father for marrying Lord Shiva. Daksha insulted Lord Shiva by calling him names. Unable to bear the humiliation of her husband, Sati fell into the Yagna Kund and immolated herself. When the news reached Lord Shiva, he was infuriated and sent his army to destroy everything in the Yagna. A huge fight ensued as Lord Shiva danced his Tandav. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu had to intervene and calm him down. Lord Vishnu released his Sudarshana Chakra cutting through the corpse of Sati. Her body parts fell all over the land and are now known as the Shakti Peethas in Hinduism.

Temple Timings

The Temple opens at 6 AM and closes at 8 PM.

  • Neel Parvat or the Chandi Devi Temple

The famous temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi, a form of Goddess Parvati is situated atop the Neel Parvat. The Temple was built in 1929 by Suchat Singh, the King of Kashmir. The Temple is believed to be a Siddha Kshetra.

Goddess Chandi is worshiped primarily by the followers of the Shaktism sect of Hinduism. Even though there are no references to this particular form of Goddess Parvati in any Vedic texts, Puranas or Epics, the Devi Mahatmayam mentions the Goddess several times.

Neel Parvat Temple Legend

According to the temple legend, Lord Indra and other Gods of Heaven were overthrown by the demon kings Shumbha and Nishumbha. Lord Indra approached Goddess Parvati to return their kingdom and get rid of the demons to balance the power on Earth. As a result, Goddess Parvati took the form of Chandi, a beautiful woman who attracted the attention of Shumbha. He sent his chiefs Chanda and Munda to bring her to him. However, they were killed by Chandi. Enraged, he along with Nishumbha tried to kill Chandi but were slain by the Goddess. It is believed that the Goddess rested atop the hill and eventually a temple commemorating the event was built for her.

Temple Timings

The Temple opens at 8 AM and closes at 6 PM. The shrine remains closed between 12 PM to 3 PM.

How to reach the Chandi Devi Temple

There are two ways to reach the shrine. The older route involves trekking a distance of about 3 km to the shrine. The newer route involves boarding the cable-car at the mountain base.

  • Maya Devi Temple

The eleventh-century ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Maya, a form of Goddess Shakti is worshiped here with great reverence here.  The importance of the shrine can be gauged by the fact that the city of Haridwar itself was called Mayapuri in ancient times. The deity worshiped here is in the form of a three-headed Goddess with four arms.

Significance of the shrine

It is contested but believed by locals that the shrine is one of the Shakti Peethas of Goddess Sati. It is a belief that her navel and heart fell at the site.

The site is also revered as a Siddha Kshetra along with the Mansa Devi Temple and the Chandi Devi Temple.

Temple Timings

The Temple opens at 6:30 AM and closes at 9 PM. The Temple remains closed between 12 PM to 3 PM.

How to reach the Temple

The Temple is located just 1.5 km from the Bus Stand and the Railway Station. One can hire a taxi from there till the temple.

Festivals celebrated at Haridwar

  • Kumbh Mela – As per the legend, Lord Vishnu’s vehicle, the Garuda spilled four drops of holy Amrit which he obtained by the churning of the milk on Earth. He was carrying the Amrit in a Kumbh (Pot). The drops fell in Haridwar, Allahabad, Nasik and Ujjain. In Haridwar, the Mela is held on the banks of River Ganga at Har Ki Pauri. The Mela is celebrated once every 12 years. The Mela has been officially and internationally accepted as the largest religious gathering in the world. Millions of pilgrims from all over the world attend the festivities and take a dip in the holy River Ganga.
  • Ardh Kumbh Mela – The Ardh Kumbh Mela is held once every six years. This Mela is held between two full Kumbh Melas at Prayag (Allahabad) and Haridwar.
  • Kanwar Mela – The Kanwar Yatra is also called as the Kavad Yatra. This is an annual pilgrimage or Yatra undertaken by thousands of devotees especially in the month of Shravan (July-August). The devotees of Lord Shiva who participate in the Yatra are called Kanwariyas. They travel barefooted to cities like Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri to collect the water of River Ganga. This water is then poured over Lord Shiva at their respective homes and other temples. This yatra is extremely popular among the devotees especially from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Bihar, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh.

How to reach Haridwar

  • By Air – The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport situated at Dehradun which is 37 km from Haridwar. The airport operates flights to and fro from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Chennai and Lucknow. Apart from that, one can also reach the Indira Gandhi International Airport at Delhi which is well connected to all major cities in India.
  • By Train – Several trains from around the country connect the station Hardwar Junction. The city is well connected to places like Delhi, Dehradun, Bikaner, Patna, Howrah, Lucknow, Jaipur, Allahabad, and Mumbai.
  • By Road – The Haridwar bus station is located near the railway station. The state transport operates regular buses from Delhi, Rishikesh and Dehradun. Numerous private taxi operators provide connectivity to Haridwar from all towns and cities nearby.

Where to stay

The city is well developed and appropriate infrastructure for pilgrims as well as tourists has been constructed. Some of the budget options for a clean stay are Hotel Haridwar Residency, Hotel Gayathri Classic, and Hotel Bhagwati Nivas. Five-star options for stay are Country Inn Suites and Hotel Hari Heritage. It is advised to book accommodation in advance as the rush is always high.

Where to eat

The pilgrims and tourists can opt for a wide range of cuisine in hotels dispersed throughout the city. The food is mainly vegetarian.  The cuisine ranges from South Indian (Hotel Dosa Plates, Madras Restaurant, and Kwality Mysore Restaurant), North Indian (Hotel Hoshiyarpuriwala), Continental, Punjabi, Chinese (Chotiwalas Asli), and Bengali (Dada Boudir Hotel).

Bhavishya Badri – Sapta Badri

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Bhavishya Badri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated in Subhai, Uttarakhand at an altitude of 2,744 m (9,003 ft) above sea level. It is the fourth temple complex among the ‘Sapta Badri‘ temples. it’s part of the famous “Sapta Badri” pilgrimage circuit. It is a part of the Char Dham Yatra Package within Uttarakhand.

Bhavishya Badri – Facts

DeityLord Narasimha
Location Subhai, Uttarakhand 246443
Best Time to Visit May to June and September to October
Darshan Timings 5 AM to 12 PM
2 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees Free
Dress Code Traditional Wear
Festivals Krishna Janmashtmi, Makar Sankranti

It extends from Satapanth to Nandaprayag in the Alaknanda river valley. In ancient times, the path to the temple went through the Badri van (Forest of berries). Hence, the suffix ‘Badri‘ is added to the seven holy shrines of Lord Vishnu. Bhavishya Badari is present on the way from Tapovan to Lata in the Niti valley.  

Bhavishya Badri Temple is dedicated to Narasimha (the Lion face), one of the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu.

Bhavishya Badri Intro
Narsimha -The god with the head of a lion.

Visitors pass the serene Tapovan a place known for its hot water springs en route to the banks of the Dhauliganga, and on to the shrine.

What are the timings of Bhavishya Badri?

The timings of the temple are:

TimingsFromTo
Morning5 AM 12 PM
Evening2 PM 9 PM

What is the significance of Bhavishya Badri?

The significance of Bhavishya Badri is that –

  • Devotees believe it to be the future abode of Badrinath at the end of the Kali Yuga when there will be the destruction of the present world and the creation of a new world.
  • The temple has a sanctum with an image of Lord Narsimha. He is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with a lion’s head.
  • Moreover, this temple is also associated with Narsingh Badri temple through mythology, which is also an important halt in the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand.

What is the history of Bhavishya Badri?

As per the legend associated with the history of Bhavishya Badri, when Shri Adi Shankaracharya took Badri Vishal from Tapta Kund, a prophecy was made. According to that prophecy, at the end of Kaliyuga, the mountains Nara and Narsimha will lead to blockage in the path towards Badrinath and make the journey inaccessible

As a result, Lord Badri will take abode in Bhavishya Badri. From that time onward, his worship will take place at this place. Even the name of the place literally translates to ‘Future Badri‘, implying that it will be the future residence of Lord Badri.

The temple Narsingh, located at Joshimath has a beautifully carved statue of Lord Narsingh carrying a sword. As per the traditions, the arm carrying that sword is getting thinner year by year, and in Kaliyug this arm will breakdown.

The present world will get destroyed and a new world will start, where Bhavishya Badri shall be worshipped.

Festivals celebrated at Bhavishya Badri

Some of the festivals celebrated at Bhavishya Badri are:

  • Krishna Janmashtmi: It is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It occurs according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar and is also a very important festival for the followers of Lord Vishnu.
  • Makar Sankranti: This festival is celebrated each year in January to appease the Sun God. It is the first day when Sun enters Capricorn and also marks the lengthening of daytime in the forthcoming days. This day also includes colorful decorations, preparation of sweets with sesame seeds and children asking for treats and pocket money.
Adi Badri Festivals
Makar Sankranti and Krishna Janmashtmi are celebrated at the temple.

How to reach Bhavishya Badri?

Here’s how to reach Bhavishya Badri:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (289.2 km).
  • Train: The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh(271.8 km) and Dehradun(314 km).
  • Road: It is present near the road from Joshimath to Subain Village. One has to take a trekking route of 3 km further to reach Bhavishya Badri.

Where to stay near Bhavishya Badri?

Some of the places where one can stay near Bhavishya Badri while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

  • Hotel Sudarshan Palace: Hotel Sudarshan Palace has facilities such as 24-hour front desk, garden area and parking facility within its premises. Amenities such as bed, bottled drinking water, access to the common balcony and attached bathroom are available.
  • Hotel Kuber Annex: The facilities offered here are front desk, room service, power backup, STD PCO facility, doctor on call. Massage service is also available here so that guests can relax after trekking. A helicopter booking facility is also available at the hotel.
  • Hotel Heaven: The hotel offers facilities suchlike parking and telephone. With a team of skilled professionals, the property ensures the fulfillment of all needs of the guest. Moreover, in case of medical emergencies, one can avail the doctor on call facility at the hotel.

Please carry valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card. It is needed at the time of booking of the hotel rooms.

What are the other Sapta Badri destinations?

The other Sapta Badri destinations are:

  • Vriddha Badri: It is the third among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. Devotees also believed that Adi Shankaracharya worshipped Badrinath here before enshrining Him in the main Badrinath temple. Vriddha Badri is temple is open for devotees and pilgrims throughout the year.
  • Bhavishya Badri: It is the fourth among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. According to beliefs, Lord Badri will take abode in Bhavishya Badri at the end of Kaliyuga. Even the name of the place literally translates to ‘Future Badri’, implying that it will be the future residence of Lord Badri.
  • Yogadhyan Badri: It is the fifth among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. As per mythology, the Pandavas were born here, and Pandu attained salvation and died here. Yogadhyan Badri has a bronze image of Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that Pandu installed this meditating (Dhyan) image. Hence, the name of the shrine comes from the posture of the image, and it is popular as yoga-Dhyan’ Badri.
  • Dhyan Badri: It is the sixth among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. The image of Lord Vishnu which was established by Urvarishi.The image of Vishnu is in a meditative posture with four-armed, made of black stone.
  • Ardha Badri: It is the seventh among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. In comparison to other temples, the idol of Lord Vishnu here is smaller. Hence, the name of the temple roughly means Tthe little Badri‘.

These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Vridha Badri Nearby