Jakhu Temple
Jakhu
Temple, Shimla
Location
The Jakhu Temple in Shimla is situated on the top of Jakhu Hill, at an
altitude of 2.5 kms.
Famous For
The Jakhu temple in Shimla is dedicated to lord Hanuman, and is said to
be existing from the times of Ramayana.
The Temple
The Jakhu Temple in
Shimla is
situated at an altitude of 2455 Mts. The temple is dedicated to lord
Hanuman, the monkey god in Indian mythology. Hanuman was the most
faithful aide of lord Rama (India’s most revered mythological
hero). The temple of Hanuman is in the thick forests of Jakhu hills, and
is on top the Jakhu Hill. Jakhu is derived from Hindi word Yakhsa.
Yakshas are the mythological character in Hindu mythology, who are a
link between human and gods. The original dates of temple is not known,
but it is believed to be existing from the times of Ramayana, a pre
historic event as per ancient Hindu texts. 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.
The Legends
The Jakhu temple is said to be formed when lord Hanuman visited Jakhu
hill. As per legends, Hanuman visited this place during the famous Rama
- Ravana fight. Lakshman, the younger brother of Rama, was critically
injured during the fight and the only medicinal herb which could have
saved his life was available in the Himalayan range. Hanuman came to
Himalayas, but got confused, so as to which was the particular herb. Out
of desperation, he dug out the whole mountain, which contained the herbs
and flew to Lanka, where injured Lakshman and his doctor were waiting
for him. On his way back, Hanuman rested on the Jakhu hills, and the top
of the mountain got flat by his and mountain’s weight. The temple
of Jakhu has since been highly revered by the locals. The shrine of the
temple is the foot prints of Hanuman. In most of the Hanuman temples in
India, one can come across numerous monkeys and Jakhu is no exception.
There are hundreds of monkeys in and around the temple. Though mostly
very peaceful, they can attack a person, if provocated. Pilgrims offer
them eatables, which they readily accept.
