Jakhu Temple, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh India

 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.

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.

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.

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