Jakhu Temple, Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh India

Jakhu Temple ShimlaAt the top of the famous Jakhu hill is located the famous Jakhu Temple of Shimla. It is hardly 2 kilometers from the Ridge and is an uphill climb through the beautiful deodar trees. The Jakhu Temple of Simla is dedicated to the monkey God, Hanuman. The Jakhu temple is located at a height of 2455 meters and is situated on the highest peak in Shimla. The scenic view that surrounds this beautiful temple of India is absolutely breath taking and splendid.

The temple has an interesting legend behind it. It is said that a deadly arrow injured Lord Rama's brother Lakshmana when he was fighting the battle with the demon king Ravana. A priest diagnosed Lakshmana and said that he needed a particular Sanjeevani herb from the Himalayas to cure Lakshmana. Hanuman was sent to get that herb from he lofty mountains. Upon reaching the Himalayas, Hanuman couldn't make out as to which herb was the Sanjeevani. So he dug up the entire mountain and flew back to where Lakshmana was lying injured.

After Lakshmana was cured, Hanuman went back to place the mountain in its original site. He rested on top of the Jakhu hill for sometime. It is said that the top of the hill got flattened due to Hanuman's weight! The temple has been built around the place that is supposed to have the footprints of Hanuman. It is a highly revered religious place of Shimla and devotees throng in huge numbers to pray. The shrine is a hotspot for monkeys who flock here in great numbers and generously accept eatables that are given to them by devotees and tourists.

 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 sanjivini 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 a 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.

Jakhu Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Jakhu temple has spawned many legends. According to local lore, Jakhu Temple existed during Ramayan times.

The word 'Jakhu' is derived from the Hindi word 'Yaksha' Yakshas are fictional characters in Hindu mythology. The primary role of the Yakshas is to be a link between humans and gods.

Jakhu Temple is situated on the top of Jakhu hill, at an altitude of 2455 meters above sea level. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god of the Hindu pantheon. Jakhu Temple is located in the deep forests of Jakhu hills. This mystical location has given birth to many legends from time immemorial. One of the legends became a portion of the Ramayana-the great Hindu religious text.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman relaxed on this very spot when he was transporting 'Sanjeevani' the medicinal herb from the Himalayas to Lord Lakshman. The herb saved Lord Lakshman's life. The place was named after the learned sage Yaaku-who meditated here.
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There are many monkeys around Jakhu Temple, but they do not attack visitors. Some pilgrims to Jakhu Temple offer the monkeys edible eatables, which they accept with alacrity. The approach to the temple is through a dense forest of deodars.

Jakhu Temple is easily accessible from Shimla city. The temple is a 45 minute walk from Shimla Ridge. You can also take a pony to visit Jakhu Temple. Jakhu Temple offers a superb vantage point for witnessing the ethereal Himalayan skyline during sunrise or sunset.