Probably all of us are facing situations and stresses that go far beyond what is ordinary or what we have experienced ever before. Uncertainty overshadows our plans and activities. All the more important that we find sources of reassurance, empowerment and upliftment – people and places that are kind, sincere, inspiring and loving. And that remind us of our true nature, namely our mental, emotional and spiritual strengths.
Although we are observing a slow unlocking and the opening of shops in and around Rishikesh, timings and movements are still restricted.
And while temples, ashrams and yoga schools in Uttarakhand still remain closed, we hope these institutions open soon as they not only promote and actively facilitate people's health and well-being but also share information and wisdom in so many ways.
Temples are places of power and not only help people to recharge and renew faith. They are also major harmonisers and transformers of heavy energies. Certainly useful and needed these days.
While we remain hopeful and also pray for a swift complete re-opening. In the meantime, here an impulse to encourage you to establish small daily rituals at home and invoke divine support for you, all those connected to you and society at large. Or maybe you feel inspired to refine what you are already doing and practicing. Do it differently, add something new to your home shrine and prayers, give it a boost!
Missing our temple visits, we decided to feature one of our favourite temples in this post, Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir. So symbolical and appropriate for this day and age! The transformation of poison, and negative or challenging situations into positive lessons that steer us towards growth and transcendence.
The temple reminds us that our attitude can shift our perception of any poison. And can be amṛtaṁ (nectar) when we review the problem we had. As we learn to perceive in new ways, and hold the frequency of love, even poison turns into medicine. It is possible with self-awareness, forgiveness and gratitude. When toxic experiences churn us, life-giving nectar (consciousness) can be the result.
Neelkanth temple (situated at a height of 1330m) is one of the most revered holy shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and a prominent pilgrimage site. It is located ca. 30km from Rishikesh in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, surrounded by dense forests and is adjacent to the mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan. It is enveloped between the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot and Vishnukoot.
According to India's mythology, the place where the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple currently stands is the sacred location where Lord Shiva consumed the poison Halahal coming from the sea when the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) churned the ocean in order to obtain Amrita. The poison that emanated during the Samudramanthan made his throat blue in color. Thus, Lord Shiva is also known as Nilkanth, meaning the blue-throated one.
The tower of the temple is adorned with sculptures of various Devas and Asuras depicting the Samudramanthan. Neelkanth Mahadev in the form of Shivalinga is the presiding deity of the temple.
The temple complex also has a natural spring where devotees usually take a holy bath before entering the premises of the temple. In the temple there is also a smaller sanctum where a sacred fire burns permanently, for purification.
Address:
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Kotdwar-Pauri Road
Kotdwara
Uttarakhand 246149
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