We also had the opportunity to visit the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, and the journey there and back was simply extraordinary. We opted to hike there, conquering the ascent of the mountains, and it left us with numerous impressions: a challenging climb, encounters with mischievous monkeys, breathtaking views, and a profound sense of inner peace and harmony. As is often the case in India, the journey itself was just as intriguing and captivating as the Temple of the Blue-throated Great God.

As many are aware, Shiva is traditionally depicted with blue skin. However, to be precise, it is only his throat that should be blue. According to legend, during the churning of the Milky Ocean, a pot of poison emerged, which Shiva consumed to protect the world from its harmful effects. To prevent the poison from spreading through his body, Shiva’s wife, Parvati, tightly pressed his throat, thus containing the poison and turning it blue. Since then, Shiva is also known as the Blue-throated deity. It is believed that he consumed the poison at the very spot where the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple now stands.