The temple's origins are rooted entirely in mythology, though the current structure was built in the 1970s and has been expanded since. The site gained prominence as a pilgrimage destination after the construction of the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway improved access. The temple was developed by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and local religious trusts. Unlike the ancient Himalayan temples, Neelkanth Mahadev is a modern construction that has grown in significance due to its association with the Samudra Manthan legend.
The temple has become a key stop on the Char Dham Yatra circuit, with many pilgrims visiting Neelkanth before proceeding to Kedarnath and Badrinath.
