Shri Hanuman Mandir Jakhoo — Attraction in Himachal Pradesh

Jakhu Temple is an ancient temple in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India , which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is situated on the highest point in the Shimla city, on the top of the Jakhu hill. We can reach the temple via private taxi, shared taxi, ropeway, or by trekking. However, the trek is quite steep and stamina sapping. Additionally, while walking up to the temple and nearby, the place is full of monkeys who are known to snatch anything they can get—sunglasses, food, bags. Around a decade back, a massive , tall statue of Lord Hanuman, which towers over the skyline, has been installed near the temple . This has now become a star attraction of the place and is also visible from various parts of Shimla city. This giant 108-feet-high idol of Hanuman was unveiled at Jakhu Hanuman temple on 4 November 2010. The 108-foot-high statue of Hanuman at the famous Jakhu temple was built by JHS Svendgaard Laboratories, India's largest oral care products manufacturers, and the HC Nanda Trust. It is said that the reinforced concrete Hanuman idol had been built at a cost of Rs. 1.5 crores. Since several trees and foliage was cut to make space for the statue , the environmentalists and old-time residents of the town, however, were not happy with the development since they felt that the statue has spoiled Shimla's lush green skyline that is streaked with deodar and oak forests. It is around 2.5 kilometres from the Ridge at a height of 2,455 metres above the sea level. The giant 108-feet-high idol of Hanuman was unveiled at Jakhu Hanuman temple on 4 November 2010, by Abhishek Bachhan. The Jakhu Ropeway to the temple is an aerial lift that links a point near the centre of Shimla to the temple. It was developed by Jagson International Limited and opened in 2017. As the story goes, when Lakshmana was struck and rendered unconscious by Meghnath's powerful arrow, Lord Hanuman swiftly flew towards the Himalayas through the sky to fetch the life-saving herb, Sanjeevani Booti. During his flight, he saw Yaksha Rishi, who was meditating on the Jakhu Hill. Over time, the name of the place evolved from Yaksha → Yak → Yaku → Jaku, eventually becoming Jakhu. Hanuman ji descended onto the hill to gain more knowledge about the herb from the saint. The force of his landing was such that the once-towering Jakhu Hill was pushed halfway into the earth. After obtaining the information about the herb, Lord Hanuman resumed his mission towards the Dronagiri mountain. The spot where he had landed still bears his sacred footprints, which are preserved in a small marble shrine behind the main temple. Before leaving, Hanuman promised Yaksha Rishi that he would return the same way. However, because of urgency, Hanuman took a shorter route back, bypassing the Jakhu Hill. The waiting Rishi, distressed by Hanuman's absence, became anxious. It was then that Hanuman appeared to the Rishi, explained the reason for not returning as promised, and after this divine interaction, immediately disappeared. Shortly afterward, a "Self-manifested (Swayambhu) idol of Hanuman" appeared at the very spot, which is still enshrined in the temple today. It is a steep trek of about 30-45 minutes from the Ridge. However it takes around 6 minutes by the rope way, which charges Rs. 500/- per person for the round trip. The temple is also accessible through narrow roads by car or shared cabs. The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti Airport, located around 22 kilometres from Shimla. From the airport, we can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Shimla. The nearest railway station is Shimla Railway Station on the Kalka-Shimla toy train. Beware of the monkeys...

Jakhoo Temple is an ancient temple in Shimla, dedicated to Hindu deity, Hanuman. It is situated on Jakhoo Hill, 2.5km/1.3 miles east from the Ridge, Shimla at a height of 2,455m above sea level. Jakha Temple is very popular Temple in Shimla & known for various reasons. People who have never visited Shimla, know Jakha for hundreds of monkeys around it. Different Monkey stories are popular & Jakhu is one of the important keyword in those stories. In 2010, a huge statues of Hanuman is built near Jakhu Temple in Shimla. This is considered as world's tallest statue at 108 feet at the highest attitude of over 8100 feet & constructed at a cost of RS 1.5 crores, which surpasses the current tallest statue of "CHRIST THE REDEEMER", which measures at 98 feet & stands at an altitude of 2296 feet in "RIO DE JANEIRO", BRAZIL. Over the years Jakhu has become one of the important part of Shimla town & authorities have improved the condition in past few years. Now this campus has enough space for families to have fun around the temple. A nice park is built near to main temple of Jakhu now. Basically this temple is located on a hill called Jakhu & that's why the temple is also known as Jakhu Temple. It's hardly 2 kilometers from Ridge & is an uphill climb through the beautiful trees. It's a trek of approximately 2 kilometers from Ridge ground near Mall road. The Jakhu temple is dedicated to the monkey God, Hanuman. The scenic view that surrounds this beautiful temple of INDIA is absolutely breath taking & splendid. Jakhu Temple has an interesting legend behind it. It is said that a deadly arrow injured Lord Rama's brother Lakshman when He was fighting the battle with the demon king Ravana. A priest diagnosed Lakshmana & said that he needed a particular Sanjeevani herb from the Himalayas to cure Lakshmana. Hanuman was sent to get that herb from the 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 & 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 Jakha Hill for sometimes. It is said that the top of the hill got flattened due to Hanuman's weight! The temple has built around the place that is supposed to have the foot prints of Hanuman. It is a highly revered religious place of Shimla & devotees throng in huge members to pray. Jahku is...

Nestled atop the majestic cliffs of Shimla, Jakhoo Temple stands as a beacon of spirituality, offering not only a sanctuary for devotees but also a breathtaking vista of the surrounding landscape. My recent visit to this sacred site was a harmonious blend of spiritual awakening and exhilarating encounters with nature’s playful creatures.

Upon arriving at the base of the mountain, I was greeted by the serene ambiance of the temple complex, its architecture steeped in history and reverence. Ascending the winding path that led to the temple, I couldn’t help but marvel at the lush greenery enveloping the mountainside, a testament to nature’s boundless beauty.

As I reached the temple precincts, my gaze was immediately drawn to the magnificent statue of Lord Hanuman, standing tall and majestic against the backdrop of the azure sky. The intricate craftsmanship and sheer grandeur of the statue left me awestruck, evoking a sense of reverence and humility.

However, amidst the tranquil surroundings, there lurked mischievous inhabitants—monkeys, in abundance. These playful creatures, while adding to the charm of the temple, also posed a challenge with their antics. From cheekily snatching offerings to engaging in playful mischief, the monkeys added an unexpected element of adventure to my spiritual journey.

Despite their mischievous nature, I couldn’t help but admire the monkeys’ agility and intelligence as they effortlessly navigated the temple grounds, seemingly at home amidst the serene surroundings. However, it’s worth noting that visitors need to exercise caution and be mindful of their belongings in the presence of these curious creatures.

But amidst the playful chaos, the panoramic view from the temple’s vantage point offered solace and serenity. Stretching as far as the eye could see, the sweeping vistas of the Shimla valley and the snow-capped peaks beyond left an indelible imprint on my soul, reminding me of the profound interconnectedness of all things.

As I descended from the temple, my heart felt lighter, my spirit rejuvenated by the transcendent beauty of the experience. Jakhoo Temple, with its blend of spirituality and adventure, had left an enduring impression on me, a testament to the timeless allure of sacred spaces and the boundless...