Someshwar Mahadev Temple (Ganga Nagar)
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Someshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient neighbourhood Shiva shrine in Ganga Nagar (Adarsh Nagar), a residential quarter of Rishikesh set back from the busier ghats and about 1.5 km from the old Rishikesh railway station. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Someshwar — literally the "Lord of Soma / the Moon" — the temple is revered locally as a Siddhapeeth (a seat of spiritual accomplishment), its presiding Shivalinga regarded by devotees as swayambhu, self-manifested from the earth rather than installed by human hands. Local tradition holds that in an earlier age the sage Rishi Som performed severe penance at this spot, and that Bholenath (Shiva), pleased with his devotion, granted him darshan here — the legend from which the temple takes its name.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Local dhabas and mithai shops around Ganga Nagar / Dehradun Road — the entire town is vegetarian and alcohol-free by law, so simple thalis, chai and sweets nearby are pure-vegetarian by default; pick a busy, freshly-cooked counter.
- ✦Madras Cafe (near Ram Jhula, a short auto ride) — a long-running pure-vegetarian South Indian institution known for dosas, thalis and its own health-food touches; confirm current hours.
- ✦Chotiwala (Ram Jhula / Swarg Ashram side) — an iconic pure-vegetarian Rishikesh thali house; a 10–15 minute auto ride from Ganga Nagar.
- ✦Devraj Coffee Corner (Lakshman Jhula) — a well-loved pure-vegetarian bakery-cafe for coffee, cakes and light meals if you continue towards the jhulas; hours can vary seasonally.
About
Someshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient neighbourhood Shiva shrine in Ganga Nagar (Adarsh Nagar), a residential quarter of Rishikesh set back from the busier ghats and about 1.5 km from the old Rishikesh railway station.
- Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Someshwar — literally the "Lord of Soma / the Moon" — the temple is revered locally as a Siddhapeeth (a seat of spiritual accomplishment), its presiding Shivalinga regarded by devotees as swayambhu, self-manifested from the earth rather than installed by human hands.
- Local tradition holds that in an earlier age the sage Rishi Som performed severe penance at this spot, and that Bholenath (Shiva), pleased with his devotion, granted him darshan here — the legend from which the temple takes its name.
- The shrine is cared for by the Shri Someshwar Mahadev Trust, a non-profit religious trust founded around 2009–2010 in the Guru-Shishya tradition of the Juna Akhada, one of the oldest Shaivite monastic orders, and led by Mahant Rameshwar Giri Maharaj.
- The same trust looks after a companion Siddhapeeth, the Bankhandi Mahadev Temple near the old railway station, and runs an ashram, a gaushala (cow shelter) and a daily community kitchen that serves free meals — the kind of quiet, continuous seva that anchors a temple in its neighbourhood.
- Temple accounts connect the site to the Skanda Purana tradition, recalling that the Pandavas offered worship here on their journey towards vanaprastha (the forest-dwelling stage of life).
- Day to day, this is a working local shrine rather than a monument on the tourist trail, and that is its charm.
- Mondays — Shiva's auspicious weekday — draw the largest gatherings for Rudrabhishek, the ceremonial bathing of the linga with water, milk, honey and bilva leaves to the chanting of the Rudram.
- The devotional calendar peaks at Mahashivratri (February–March), when night-long vigils and a distinctive procession through the Ganga Nagar lanes bring the whole quarter into the celebration; the month of Shravan (July–August) is likewise busy with Shiva devotees.
- The trust also relays live aarti and darshan online for those who cannot attend in person.
- For all visitors, regardless of faith, the temple is open and respectful observation is welcomed: remove your shoes, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and stay quiet during aarti; ask before photographing the sanctum.
- For vegetarian travellers there is no dietary calculation to make — Rishikesh is a holy town that is vegetarian and alcohol-free by law, so every dhaba, mithai counter and tea stall around Ganga Nagar is pure-vegetarian by default, and the temple's own kitchen embodies the same satvik spirit.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Adarsh Nagar, Ganga Nagar, near the old railway station side, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249201
How to Reach: Ganga Nagar (Adarsh Nagar), Rishikesh, about 1.5 km from the old Rishikesh railway station. From the railway station or the main bus stand, an auto-rickshaw costs roughly ₹40–70 and takes 5–10 minutes; shared vikrams (tempos) also run along the Dehradun Road corridor nearby. From the Triveni Ghat / Ram Jhula area it is a short 10–15 minute auto ride. There is no metro in Rishikesh — auto-rickshaw is the standard way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timings of Someshwar Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh?
The temple has free entry and is generally open through the day into the evening — one local listing notes it stays open until about 10:00 PM. The main gatherings form around morning and evening aarti and, above all, for Monday Rudrabhishek. Timings can change with the season and festivals, so it is best to confirm locally before a special visit.
Is there an entry fee for Someshwar Mahadev Temple?
No. Like most active Hindu temples, Someshwar Mahadev Temple is free to enter and open to everyone regardless of faith. It is cared for by the Shri Someshwar Mahadev Trust, which also runs a free community kitchen; voluntary donations support the temple and its seva, but there is no admission ticket.
Why is Someshwar Mahadev Temple called a Siddhapeeth?
Devotees revere it as a Siddhapeeth — a seat of spiritual accomplishment — and consider its Shivalinga swayambhu, or self-manifested, a mark of special sanctity in the Shaivite tradition. Local tradition holds that the sage Rishi Som performed penance here and received Shiva's darshan, giving the shrine its name. Temple accounts also connect the site to the Skanda Purana and to worship offered by the Pandavas.
How do I reach Someshwar Mahadev Temple in Ganga Nagar?
The temple is in Ganga Nagar (Adarsh Nagar), about 1.5 km from the old Rishikesh railway station. An auto-rickshaw from the station or main bus stand costs roughly ₹40–70 and takes 5–10 minutes; from the Triveni Ghat or Ram Jhula area it is a 10–15 minute auto ride. There is no metro in Rishikesh, so auto-rickshaw is the usual way.
When is the best time to visit, and what happens at the temple?
Visit on a Monday — Shiva's auspicious weekday — for Rudrabhishek, the ceremonial bathing of the linga with water, milk, honey and bilva leaves. The devotional year peaks at Mahashivratri (February–March), when a night vigil and a distinctive procession move through the Ganga Nagar lanes; the month of Shravan (July–August) is also very busy. Remove your shoes, dress modestly, stay quiet during aarti, and ask before photographing the sanctum.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near the temple?
Everywhere — Rishikesh is a holy town that is vegetarian and alcohol-free by law, so every eatery around Ganga Nagar is pure-vegetarian by default. Simple dhabas and mithai shops along the Dehradun Road corridor are handy for a quick thali or sweets. For a fuller meal a short auto ride away, Madras Cafe (near Ram Jhula) is a trusted pure-veg South Indian spot, Chotiwala is the classic thali house, and Devraj Coffee Corner at Lakshman Jhula is a favourite pure-veg cafe.
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