Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Alwar - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 72 km from Alwar, the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, also known as Nilkantheshwar Temple is located on a hill in Tehla village in the Rajgarh tehsil of Alwardistrict, Rajasthan. Situated in the buffer zone of the Sariska Tiger Reserve, it is one of the best places to visit in Alwar, especially for history buffs.

The Neelkanth Temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in a scenic and natural environment, it was built between the 6th and 9th centuries, as indicated by an inscription from 961 AD, by Maharajadhiraj Parmeshwara Mathanadeva, a vassal of the Gurjar Pratihar Empire, which later became known as Badgujar after the 11th century.

Historically, the site of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple was referred to as Rajyapura and subsequently as Paranagar. This early medieval location features one surviving temple dedicated to Neelkanth Mahadev, alongside an extensive area filled with the remnants of approximately 200 other temples. Although much of the temple structure has fallen into disrepair, the artistry and architectural design still evoke admiration for the craftsmanship of the past.

The Neelkanth Temple is designed in the trikuta style, featuring three sanctums, with the central sanctum oriented to the west housing the linga. The main shikhara remains intact and is constructed in the nagara style, while the side sanctums lack their shikharas. The outer walls of the temple exhibit a pancharatha plan, complete with a pitha and vedibandha that contains small niches adorned with sculptures. The outer walls of the main sanctum display exquisite sculptures in their bhadra niches, depicting figures such as Harihara, Narasimha, and Tripurantaka. Additional external projections are embellished with beautiful representations of surasundaris, mithuna, yalis, and dikpalas, including a striking standing image of a jeweled Shiva and Gauri, with Nandi positioned behind them.

Not far from the Neelkanth Temple lie the remnants of the Naugaja Temple, where a tall statue of the Jain tirthankara Shantinatha stands on a high platform, carved from light orangish-red sandstone. As per the inscription, this statue was erected on the 13th day of the dark half of Baisakha in the year VS 979 (AD 922-23) during the reign of Mahipala I Deva, a ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty from Kannauj. In addition to these two standing temples, the surrounding area is strewn with fragments of temples and sculptures, inviting exploration for those interested in temple architecture.

The temple is located atop a secluded hill, encircled by the remnants of the Rajorgarh Fort's walls. Accessing this temple complex requires navigating a steep and rugged hilly path, as well as enduring a challenging drive that offers striking vistas of the surrounding scenery.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free