Nestled within the Nagalpur precinct of the Mehesana – a region endowed with a profound mythological and historical legacy – the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple stands as a highly ‘jagrut’ (spiritually awakened) sanctuary of faith. This elegant Shiva temple resides in a land once known as ‘Anarta’, a territory that still preserves the indelible footprints of the Solanki and Gaekwad dynasties. Masterfully constructed in the ‘Nagar’ architectural style, this grand complex houses individual sanctums for Neelkanth Mahadev, Shitala Mata and Kaneshwari Mata.
In antiquity, the Mehsana region was renowned as ‘Anarta’.
The territory held by the Sharyati was called Anarta and its capital, Kushasthali, was renamed Dvaraka. In later times, the name Anarta was applied to North Gujarat. Its capital, Anandapura, was also known as Anarttapura, which is represented by modern Vadnagar. References to this region as Anarta occurs in the Junagadh Rock-Inscription of Mahaksatrapa Rudradaman, dated Saka 72 corresponding to 150 A.D. It is said that the Sharyati was one of the ten sons of Vaivasvata Manu. Sharyati had a son called Anarta and a daughter called Sukanya. References to this region abound in the ‘Skanda Purana’ and the ‘Bhagavata Purana’. Historical chronicles indicate that Mehsana was successively governed by the Maurya, Gupta, Indo-Greek, the Western Kshatrap and Chavda dynasties. Following an assault on the Chavda Rajput ruler by members of the Solanki lineage in 696 AD, the Solanki dynasty established its dominion over the region. However, descendants of the Chavda Rajputs eventually reclaimed their empire. Records suggest that Mehsaji (Mesaji) Chavda, an heir to this Rajput clan, founded the city of Mehsana on the day of Bhadrapad Shuddha Dashami in Vikram Samvat 1414 (1358 AD) by ceremoniously installing the idol of Toranwali Mata and binding the city’s ‘toran’ (festoon). From the eighteenth century until Indian Independence in 1947, this entire northern swathe of Gujarat remained under the suzerainty of the Gaekwads of the Baroda State. Post-independence, Mehsana was initially part of the Bombay Province until the state’s bifurcation in 1960.
Within the Nagalpur area of this historic city stands the beautiful Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The temple complex exudes a profound serenity and grace. Enclosed by a compound wall on all four sides, the ornate main entrance features a central figure of Lord Shiva flanked by sculptures of Nandi. This portal opens into a spacious courtyard, at the center of which rises the striking ‘Nagar’ style edifice of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, elevated upon a high plinth. The structure comprises separate sanctums for Neelkanth Mahadev, Shitala Mata and Kaneshwari Mata, fronted by a ‘Mukhamandapa’ (entrance porch) and a ‘Sabhamandapa’ (assembly hall).
The pillars of the entrance porch are graced by ‘Dwarpalas’ (gatekeepers) and ‘Surasundaris’ (celestial maidens). The temple follows a traditional layout consisting of the entrance porch, an assembly hall, an ‘Antarala’ (vestibule) and the ‘Garbhagriha’ (sanctum sanctorum). Both the porch and the assembly hall are designed in a semi-open fashion. Within the assembly hall, a black marble Nandi sits upon a pedestal facing the sanctum, preceded by a sculpture of a tortoise. Niches within the walls of the vestibule enshrine idols of Ganesha and Hanuman. From the vestibule, one descends seven to eight steps into the recessed sanctum. The lintel of the sanctum doorway features Ganesha at its center, while the doorposts are adorned with gatekeepers and ‘Kirtimukhas’ (glorious lion faces) at the base. At the heart of the sanctum lies the Neelkanth Mahadev Shivalinga, sheltered by a serpent’s canopy. A silver ‘galantika’ (dripping vessel) suspended above ensures a continuous ‘abhishek’ of water upon the deity. A niche in the rear wall of the sanctum houses an idol of Mother Parvati.
Ritual worship is performed here with steadfast regularity, drawing a multitude of local devotees. On Mahashivratri and every Monday of the holy month of Shravan, the faithful throng the shrine to offer ‘Bel’ leaves and perform ‘abhishek’ upon the Shivalinga. During festivals, the deity is adorned with elaborate floral arrangements. The temple also serves as a venue for various religious rites, including the Laghurudra Yag and Ganesh Yag.
Useful Information
Located at 4 km from Mehesana Bus Station.
GSRTC bus services connect Mehesana to several cities across the state.
GSRTC buses and private vehicle services are available from Mehesana.
Private vehicles can travel directly to the temple car park.
Numerous accommodation and breakfast options are available in the vicinity.
