Jhakhu Temple / Hanuman Temple In Simla

                                                     Jhakhu Temple

Nestling atop Jhakhu Hill, the Jhakhu Temple is one of Shimla's popular places of religious importance. It is situated 2.5 km away from the ridge, at an elevation of 8000 ft above sea level. Tourists either can walk up to the temple from the ridge or can hire a pony or taxi. This ancient shrine was built by a sage named Yaaku and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanuman.

There are a number of legends associated with the origin of the temple, one of which states that Lord Hanuman stopped at the Jhakhu Hill when he was looking for Sanjeevani herb. He met sage Yaaku on the hilltop and then moved ahead in his journey.
Two km from city centre, this is Shimla’s highest point and offers a panoramic view of the town’s hills and distant mountain ranges. There are spectacular views at sunrise and sunset especially during the monsoons. The peak has a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Legend has it that he stopped here while searching for the sanjeevani plant – the herb required to cure Laxman who lay mortally wounded on a battlefield in Lanka in an episode from the epic Ramayana. A variation of the legend says that his sandal fell here. The temple has been exhaustively renovated and this vantage point is being connected by a ropeway. At the top of the hill in the temple complex at 108 feet tall idol of Lord Hanuman is a big attraction for the tourists.The way to the temple is, on foot, from the Ridge near Christ Church. Other option is to hire pony from the Ridge or drive taking via the Cart Road.

History of Jakhu / Jakhoo Temple:-

The temple has a great mythological tale attached to it dating back to the fierce battle between Lord Rama and Ravana at Lanka. During the course of the battle, Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama got injured by an arrow of Meghanath, Ravana's son and lost his senses. He could not be cured despite numerous efforts. Then a herb practitioner told Lord Rama that Lakshmana could only be saved by Sanjeevani herb to be brought from Himalayas. Hanuman was entrusted with this life saving task of bringing the herb.
While going towards Himalaya to get the herb, He saw sage Yaaku sitting on Jakhu mountain in penance. Lord Hanuman landed on the mountain to gather more information about the herb. The mount could not bear the weight of the Lord and sunk to the earth, remaining half of its original size. Having cleared his doubts about the herb, the Lord restarted his journey and promised Yaaku to meet him while returning.
But on his way back, Lord Hanuman had to fight with a dangerous demon, Kaalnemi. This took a lot of time and He had to take the shortest route to reach Lanka whereas the sage kept waiting for Hhm. Hanuman did not want to make the sage unhappy. So he appeared before the sage and told him the reason for not keeping his promise. As Hanuman disappeared, having pacified Yaaku, an idol of Him appeared on the hill by itself. Yaaku built a small temple to commemorate the Lord's visit on the hill and kept that idol there. The idol can be seen in the temple till date along with the foot prints of the monkey god.
Like many other hanuman temples in India, endless number of monkeys can be seen at this temple also. These monkeys are generally very peaceful but if provoked can be very dangerous too. Pilgrims offer peanuts and bananas to these monkeys which are readily accepted by them.

About Jhakhu Temple :-

The temple is situated on the Jakhoo Hill which is also Shimla’s highest peak (at an altitude of about 8,050 feet). While trekking up to the temple, one can see the magnificent, 108 feet tall Hanuman statue behind the deodar trees. It will take around 20-30 minutes to reach the temple by the trail. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi to the temple that will just take 5 minutes.
The main temple complex has Lord Hanuman’s foot prints engraved on a marble (as believed by the devotees), paintings and statues of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ram. The pious chants (or Bhajans) and the ringing of bells fill up the entire complex.
The temple, which is seen as ruby in the crown, is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Once on the top of the hill near the temple, one will be greeted by numerous monkeys - vanaras. They will be playing tricks on the visitors to get the 'prasad' from the visitors. Like taking away one of the sandals, taking away visitors spectacles, keeping away the handbag etc., but with no harm done for the 'prasad' offered by visitors the articles are returned.
The Jakhu hill is the highest peak around Shimla, and is famous for its trekking options. The Jakhu hill offers excellent views of sunrise, sunset, mountains and town. The hill is full of narrow paths and roads which are an enjoyable walks.

In 2010, a huge statue of Hanuman is built near Jakhu Temple in Shimla. This is considered as world’s tallest statue at 108 feet at the highest altitude of over 8100 feet and constructed at a cost of Rs 1.5 crores, which surpasses the current tallest statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’, which measures at 98 feet and stands at an altitude of 2296 feet in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Significance of Jhaku Temple:-

 Jakhoo Hill, is a play set in a home in 1950’s Jakhoo Hill, directed by Sunit Tandon.
World’s tallest statue of Lord Hanuman was unveiled to public by Abhishek Bachchan on November 5th 2010.
Jakhu Temple is situated at Jakhu hill which is at the height of 8048feet above sea level.
The snowy peaks, valleys offers a panoramic view of Shimla. The religious center dedicated to Lord Hanuman ‘ridge’ is located near to it.
From here visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. According to legend Manyata Ram and Ravana during the war between Lord Rama’s brother Lakshman Meghnad arrows were injured and unconscious.
All the time due to abortive treatment Vadyraj Susen said that one solution is left. Laxman saved the lives of Himalayan herbs can be lifesaving. I said Lord Hanuman devotee this crisis will bring lifesaving. Hanuman Himalayan and flew down the hill on the way, he ‘Jas’ walked down the hill, they saw the sage.
Jakhu Temple is now fitted with a giant statue of Hanuman, whose height is 108 feet. The statue was installed in 2010. Previously only 135 feet in Andhra Pradesh is a statue. Hanuman you appear anywhere in Shimla. To avoid monkeys at the gate of the temple also get stick. But if there is no tampering with the monkeys is good. It is said that the crews are Jakhu temple monkeys centuries.
Various trekking and mountain climbing mountaineering activities by the state government are held. Trekking path is surrounded by picturesque pine forests. Jakhu temple visitor to reach the ‘pony can also be hired. Jakhu hill by many shops in the area, which offer up to Trackers to help provide walking sticks etc.

Jhaku Temple Timings:-

Jhaku Temple is opened for darshan all the seven days of the week. The darshan timing starts from 7am to 8pm. It hardly takes 1 to 2 hours for darshan. There is no entry fee in the Temple.

Places to visit near Jhaku Temple:-

Kali Temple:-

 The trek up to the Kali Temple is an amazing experience as one comes across rare species of various animals, which also makes for some interesting photography. Situated at the Jakhoo Hills, the temple is believed to be about 150 years old and houses idols of three goddesses, namely Kali, Shyamala and Chandi. Kali Devi, however, remains the prime deity of importance here and sees devotees come to offer their respects from near and far. The place is surrounded with breathtaking views of the Shivalik Range. Situated atop a grassy knoll kept judiciously manicured by the local bovine population, the temple presents two manifestations of Kali to humble and inspire you. It’s also a great spot for a picnic.

State Library:-

 As you walk down the charming street of the ridge in Shimla, you can see a small colonial style building, standing as a lone structure right behind the Christ Church. It is the State Library in Shimla that was built back in 1860s. Today it’s an important structure in the city from a cultural point of view and has preserved numerous rare and age old books that awaits keen readers. It is a quaint building built in stone and timber with a sloping roof and wide wood penaled windows adding to the splendor of the structure. Try taking out some time from your schedule and visit this lovely place to find some timeless books that you have always wanted to read.

The Ridge:-

 A wide open street in Shimla lying next to the Mall Road adjoining the Scandal Point is he Ridge . A hub of all activities, this place also offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains around Shimla. The age old Christ church is also located on the ridge which is yet another reason for the tourists to swarm the place during the peak season. Moreover, just like the Mall road no vehicles are allowed on the ridge. This place is also where festivals like Summer Festival, New year’s Eve and Christmas are celebrated with much fervor and joy.

The Mall:-

Once you are at the Mall in Shimla, you will witness the myriad of activities happening all around the street. Tourists roaming around scrutinizing the place, locals busy with their daily activities, enthusiastic groups enjoying street food, others actively bargaining at the roadside stalls and many such scenes are a regular part of a normal day at the Mall. Vehicular movement is restricted inside the Mall Road to maintain a pristine environment as well as for the shoppers’ and tourists’ convenience. It is the most important place of the city with the presence of places like the Viceregal Lodge and the Cultural complex. Spend some quality time at the mall road on your visit to Shimla. Be it shopping or eating at your favourite food joints, Mall road will offer you with some memorable moments here

How to Reach:-

Airport :- Shimla Airport is the nearest airport.
Railhead :- Shimla Railway Station is the nearest railhead.