Neelkanth Temple Alwar

Rajgarh Tehsil, District Alwar, in the state of Rajasthan is famous for housing the deity of Lord Shiva in its Neelkanth Temple. The place was earlier known as Rajyapura and then as Paranagar. Neelkanth is one of the thousands of names of Lord Shiva. It is a 10th.century shrine built by Maharajadhiraja Mathanadeva, now in a state of disrepair. Yet the attraction of the devotees last to this day.

Architecture

A rangamandapa stands on four pillars. Originally the rangamandapa had three pancharathas which housed three different deities. Of the three pancharathas, the two on the sides have been destroyed. Only the one in the middle with the Shiva linga remains and retains its original altitude with the shikhara still intact. Its jangha is decorated with sculptures of Narasimha in the north, Harihararka in the east and Tripurantaka in the south. The projections are adorned with figures of surasundaris and dikpalas. It has doors ornamented with figures of Natesa. The ceiling of the rangamandapa is decorated with padmasila, sculptures of surasundaris and gandharvas.

How to Reach

The nearest airport is at Jaipur about 116km from the temple site. Buses and trains ply from Alwar.

Best time of visit

October to March

Attractions

Dedicated parking area is available for the visitors. Arrangements have been made for refreshments. Various banks have constructed their ATM to facilitate the tourists. The proximity of the temple to the famous Sariska National Park makes it worthwhile to visit both at one go.

Thus, if your heart wishes to escape from the bizarre entrapment of the city, take refuge in the rustic ambiance of the Neelkanth Temple.