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.
 

Jwalamukhi Temple In Kangra Himachal Pradesh

                                                            Jwalamukhi Temple

Jwalamukhi Temple of Himachal is located close to Kangra and is most famous for the ceaselessly burning blue flame originating in the rock sanctum. The temple is amazingly perched on the ridge known as Kali Dhar. It has a dome and high pinnacles with a 3-feet deep square pit in the interior surrounded by a pathway around it.

There is a crack in the rock in the center that emits gas that creates a huge flame when lighted. This gas is considered as a blessing from the deity. The unique thing about Jwalamukhi Temple is that there is no shrine, but the flame is considered as the sign of goddess Jwalaji.
An eternally burning flame tha issues from a hollow rock in the sanctum, is considered the manifestation of the goddess Devi. During March-April and September-October every year, colorful fairs are held during the Navratra celebration. Jwalamukhi temple is 30 km. from Kangra.
Jwala Ji is a Hindu Goddess. Alternative spelling and names for Jawala Ji include Jwala Devi and Jwalamukhi Ji. The physical manifestation of Jwala Ji is always a set of flames burning off natural gas and the term Jwala means flame in Sanskrit.Historically, shrines dedicated to Jwala Ji were based on fissures from which natural gas seeped by itself. The number of flames is usually either seven (for the seven divine sisters) or nine (for the nine Durgas).
Amongst the 51 Shaktipeethas, Jwala Devi temple happens to be an important temple in Himachal Pradesh. Jwalamukhi is a village in Kangra district, which is believed to be the place where the tongue of Sati fell. According to a legend, a shepherd while herding his cattle in the forest saw a continuously blazing fire from a mountain. He then went and told the king about the incident; the King believed the shepherd visited the place and had a Darshan of Goddess here. He then built a temple in this place, later; Raja Bhumi Chand constructed a proper temple here. It is believed that Jwala Devi fulfills the wishes of all those who visit here. Offering coconut here is mandatory.

 Legend of Jwalamukhi Temple:-

The legend of the Jwalamukhi Temple relates to Sati, who was born when gods concentrated their individual energy on the ground. These gods were looking for a respite from the atrocities of the demons. This girl was Adishakti or the first shakti (Sati or Parvati).
She was brought up in the house of Prajapati Daksha and married Lord Shiva later. It is believed that Prajapati Daksha once organised a yajna and invited everyone barring Lord Shiva. Sati felt immensely humiliated at this act of her father and immolated herself in the fire of the havankund. On hearing this, Lord Shiva became so furious that he carried Sati's burnt body and moved around the three world. The gods could foresee a calamity approaching so they assembled before Lord Vishnu and asked him to do something to diffuse the anger of lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu cut apart Sati's body into several pieces with his Sudharshan Chakra. Wherever on earth the pieces of Sati's body fell, a shaktipeeth came up. These are the spot that are regarded as the power centre of the goddess.
The Jwalamukhi temple is the place where the tongue of Sati fell. Here the goddess is manifested as tiny flames that burn through the fissures in the age old rock. The temple is supposed to be first built by a king who, on the complain of a cowherd, tried to find out the place where from where a female emerged and drank the milk of the cow. Since, the king was aware of the legend of Sati, he continued his search for the place and finally succeeded. He constructed a temple there and employed priest to perform pujas. Later, Pandavas came and carried out some renovation work in the temple.

History of Jwalamukhi Temple ( Kangra ):-

Dating back to the origin of Adishakti or Sati, the temple basks in a glorious past. It was to get respite from the unending atrocities of the demons that the gods concentrated their individual energies at one point, thus giving birth to Sati. Brought up in the house of Prajapati Daksha, Sati got married to Lord Shiva later.
Once Prajapati Daksha organized a yajna and invited al the gods and goddesses to it barring Lord Shiva. Sati wanted to partake in this grand affair so she reached the place of the Yajna uninvited. All her sisters were welcomed by her father there except her. Daksha did not even dedicate the sacred portion of the Yajna Prasad to Lord Shiva. This made Sati feel immensely humiliated. Therefore, she immolated herself in the fire of the Yajna.
Sati's end disturbed the Lord Shiva immensely. He sliced Daksha's head. On his reparation, the Lord affixed the head of a male goat to him. Unable to restore his mental peace even then, He roamed in the entire universe carrying Sati's burnt body. Foreseeing a calamity approaching, the gods requested Lord Vishnu to diffuse the anger of Shiva. At this, Lord Vishnu cut apart Sati's body into several pieces with his Sudharshan Chakra. Wherever those pieces of sati's body fell on earth, a shaktipeetha or the power centre of the goddess came up.
The Jwalamukhi temple is the place where Sati's tongue fell. The goddess therefore is manifested as tiny flames here that burn through the fissures in an age old rock. There are nine flames at the temple that have been burning here without any oil or cotton since ages.
The temple also has a great historical significance dating back to the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar. Amazed at the continuity of these flames, he tried to extinguish these. He tried a lot of methods for this but in vain. Finally, he submitted to the power of the goddess. He went to the shrine bare footed and presented a golden umbrella to the goddess. But the goddess denied this offering and the Chhatra turned into a colossal metal. Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab also paid a visit to the temple in the year 1809. The building of the temple has a gilt dome gifted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and silver plated folding doors.

Inside the temple, there is a 3 feet square pit with pathway all around. In the centre of which is a hollowed rock over a primary fissure of flame. This one is regarded as the mouth of Mahakali. Nine flames in total emanate from different points in the pit and represent Saraswati, Annapurna, Chandi, Hing Laj, Vindhya Vasini, Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, Ambika and Anjana - the forms of goddess. Thousand of devotees flock the temple round the year to pay homage to the goddess and to get their wishes fulfilled.

 Jwalamukhi temple as a Shakti Peeth:-

The shrine is regarded as a Maha Shakti Peetham. It is believed that Sati Devi’s tongue fell here. Shakti Peethas are shrines of Devi, the primodial Mother Goddess. Each Shakti Peetha has a shrine for the Shakti and Bhairava. Siddhida (Ambika)is the Shakti and Unmatta Bhairava is the Kalabhairava. The mythology of Daksha yaga and Sati’s self immolation had immense significance in shaping the ancient Sanskrit literature and even had impact on the culture of India. It led to the development of the concept of Shakti Peethas and there by strengthening Shaktism. Enormous mythological stories in puranas took the Daksha yaga as the reason for its origin. It is an important incident in Shaivism resulting in the emergence of Shree Parvati in the place of Sati Devi and making Shiva a grihastashrami (house holder).

Nine  Jyoti's Jwalaji:-

After entering the main room, in front, across the wall opposite, is the Jyoti which is constantly running and is considered to be Maa Kali's Jyoti. It is considered a complete Brahma Jyoti (Poorna Brahma Jyoti) in covered by a Silver Aalay(silver case). Alongside there are 8 other forms of Jwala Jyotis in this temple room. See all the auspicious Nine swaroop of Jwala Jyotis at Maa Jwala Ji Temple.

Outside the main temple room, a few steps up is the Gorakh Dibbi at Jwala Ji or the Rudra Kund. This is the place where Guru Gorakh Nath Ji had worshipped Maa Bhagwati. Maa Anjana Jwala Ji Jyoti is present at this kund.

The Jwalamukhi Temple Itself:-

The temple of Jwalamukhi is not an architectural delight. Moreover, there is no idol to worship too. The building has a gilt dome and a silver plated folding doors. Inside, there is a 3 feet square pit with pathway all around. In the centre, there is a hollowed rock over a primary fissure of flame. This one is regarded as the mouth of the Mahakali. Flames emit out from several other point in the pit. They are nine in total and represent the different form of the goddess - Saraswati, Annapurna, Chandi, Hing Laj, Vindhya Vasini, Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, Ambika and Anjana. There are two lions in front of the temple.

Poojas:-

There are mainly 3 ways of doing Mata Jwala Devi's Pooja Archana, i.e. Panchopchal, Dashopchal and Sholshobchal. Similarly there are 5 different Jwalaji Aartis done of Mata Jwala Ji.

Shringar Aarti:-

Shringar Arti is done early mornings at Brahma Mahurat time. In this aarti, Malpua, Khoya and Mishri are offered to Maa Jwala.

Mangal Aarti:-

 This aarti is done after around half an hour difference to the first one. In this aarti, yellow rice and curd is offered to Maa Bhagwati.

Madhyayan Kaal Aarti:-

This is performed in the afternoon(Madhyayan Kaal). In this, rice, Shatras Dal and sweet/ desert is offered to Maa.

Sayan Kaal Aarti:-

 This is, as the name suggests, performed in the evenings. In this aarti, Poori, Chana and Halwa is offered to the Jagad Janani.

Shaiyya Aarti:-

\As the name suggests, it is the bedtime aarti of Maa, before the pandits offer the last prayers in the late evening of the day and prepare Maa's bed to sleep. This aarti starts around 9:00 PM in the evening. Milk, Malai and seasonal fruits are offered to Maa Jwala.

General information of the Jwalaji Temple Area:-

The Bhawan area is around a kilometer area in the valley. It is a busy place most parts of the year with tourists from all across India, specially North India, visiting this place regularly. Maa Jwalaji is a place for many to get their children's mundan too. Once up at the Bhawan area, you will find lots of hotels and Dharamsalas for a comfortable stay. Dhabas and small hotels serving mostly north Indian food. The temple experiences a huge amount of rush in the festive season of Navratras, though otherwise you can get awesome Darshan and also get special prayer done for a minute or two.

Festivals and Rush times at Maa Jwalaji:-

There is a huge rush in this area with lakhs of devotees during the times of Chaitra Aswin Navratras and Shrawan Months from Delhi, Punjab, Himachal and other parts of India. Though otherwise, in the changing trends of modern followers, devotees from north India, specially Delhi, Punjab visit this place regularly on weekends. The locals prefer to visit mainly on Tuesdays and Fridays.

•The Jwalamukhi fair is held twice a year during the Navratri of Chaitra and Aswin. The devotees go round the ‘Jwala Kund’ in which the sacred fire burns, making their offerings. The ‘Gorakh Tibbi’ a centre of the Gorakhpanthi Naths is placed near the Jwala Kund. Folk-dances, songs, plays, wrestling matches and athletics are some of the important attractions of the fair. The Jwalamukhi Temple in Kangra becomes the venue for the major fair.
•In April and October, the people of the area who believe that the jets of the inflammable gas coming from the volcano are actually the sacred fires coming out from the mouth of their Goddess, worship the Goddess of the Jwalamukhi volcano in the district of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. People come with red silken flags (dhwaja) to greet the Mother Goddess, ‘JwalaJi’. The fair is attributed to the worship of that Eternal Flame which is coming out of earth spontaneously and perpetually.

How To Reach:-

By Air :-

 Closest Airport is at Gaggal, 50km away. Chandigarh airport is at a distance of around 200 km.

By Rail :-

 The nearest Narrow gauge is at Ranital, 20 km away. Also Nearest Broad Gauge Railway Station is at Pathankot, More than 100km away

By Road :-

 The temple is also well connected by road. State transport buses from cities of Punjab and Haryana are available. Taxis are also there to take you to the Jwalamukhi temple.