The centuries old temples in Rishikesh peserve in their fold, the celestial aura and the spiritual ambience. At 926 meters, amidst three valleys ( Vishnukoot, Brahmakoot and Manikoot ) and on the confluence of the Madhumati and Pankaja rivers, awaits Neelkanth Mahadev.  This temple is considered to be one of the most revered temples of Rishikesh.  It is enriched with legendary anecdotes and mythological episodes.  In the month of sawan (mid July to mid August) Pilgrims come from far and near to temple.  It was here that Shiva has drunk the deadly kalkut vish (Paison obtained with thirteen other treasures by churing the sea) and retained it in this throat, which permanently made it blue, hence the name Neelkanth (blue throated)

Neelkanth Temple is situated on top of a hill across the Ganga.  It is 12 kms from Rishikesh and is surrounded by peaceful forests. 

Neelkanth Mahadeo Festival held in the temple of the same name attracts 3 to 4 lakh pilgrims in July every year.

God Idols at Neelkanth Mahadev 

 KUBER: Kuber is the god of wealth and the god's treasurer. His body is dwarfish. He has three legs and eight teeth. He carries a bowl in one hand and a money-bag in the other. He is also called the god of Yakshas (savage beings). His brother Ravana, defeated Kuber and seized his residence Lanka and the Pushpak Vimaana. As Lanka could not be restored to Kuber, Vishwakarma, built him a place on Mount Kailash. His consort is Kuberni.