Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir: Sariska Tehla Gate

This temple venerates Lord Shiva, a prominent deity in Hinduism known as the destroyer of the universe. Among his many names, Neelkanth signifies his blue-throated form, derived from "Neel" meaning blue and "kantha" meaning throat. According to Hindu scriptures, during the churning of the sea, both nectar and poison emerged. Only Lord Shiva could consume the poison to save the world, resulting in his blue throat.

Historical Background Built between the 6th and 9th centuries by Maharajadhiraja Mathanadeva, a local Pratihara feudatory as documented in a 961 A.D. inscription, this temple showcases Pratihara Architecture at its finest.

Originally known as Rajyapura and later as Paranagar, the site of the Neelkanth temple is near the Sariska Tiger Reserve, offering a chance to explore two significant locations in Alwar simultaneously.

The temple's walls are adorned with sculptures reminiscent of the erotic style seen in the Khajuraho temple in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India.

Within the complex stands a "Rangamandapa," a pavilion commonly found in Hindu temples, flanked by three PanchaRathas housing three deities, although only one remains due to past destruction. This surviving structure enshrines the Shiva Linga, a focal point for devotees to perform rituals and worship Lord Shiva, embellished with distinct sculptures on its north, east, and south faces. Sariska tiger reserve's Tehla gate is just a hour away if you love the Marvellous Hindu architecture and you must visit Neelkanth Mahadev mandir as its one of the rarest Hindu temples of 6th century which remains in Shape even todays time once's you enter the temple premises you'll experience how great and innovative builders India got hundreds of years ago.

When exploring Sariska Tiger Reserve attractions, including the popular ones, the Neelkanth temple merits a place on your itinerary.