Jakhu Temple is a famous religious place located in Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. This temple is situated on the Jakhu hill at an altitude of 8054 feet above sea level.
This religious temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is world famous where people from India and abroad come to visit.
Devotees who come here say that they get peace by coming here and their wishes are also fulfilled. Those who come here with a true heart, Hanuman ji does not send them empty handed.
Jakhu Temple is the main center of Hindu faith dedicated to Lord Hanuman, an ardent devotee of Lord Shri Ram. Many monkeys live in the temple premises.
A huge 108 feet high statue of Hanuman ji has also been installed in the premises of this temple itself, which you can see from anywhere in Shimla.
Many monkeys live in this temple complex. The place offers a beautiful and panoramic view of the snowy peaks, valleys and Shimla city. Tourists can enjoy breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset from here.
Story Related to Jakhu Temple
According to legend, during the battle of Ramayana, when Lakshmana was knocked unconscious by an arrow, at the request of Vaidya Sushen, Lord Rama asked his devotee Hanuman to bring Sanjivani Booti from the Himalayas to heal him.
When Hanuman was going to collect Sanjivani Booti, on the way he saw a sage meditating on a mountain.
To get information about Sanjivani, Hanuman descended on that mountain and met the “Yaksha” sage.
Having been guided by the sage Yaksha, Hanuman promised him to return to the Himalayas. But on the way Hanuman was challenged to a fight by the demon Kalnemi.
After defeating the demon in the war, Hanuman got Sanjivani but due to this delay, Hanuman could not go back to meet the “Yaksha” sage. When Hanuman did not return, the sage became worried.
So Hanuman himself appeared before the sage on the mountain. It is said that the sages installed an idol of Hanuman at the same place. Even today this idol is installed in the temple.
Later its name changed from Yaksha to Yak, Yak to Yaku, Yaku to Jakhu after the name of Yaksha Rishi.
At the place where Hanuman ji landed on the Jakhu mountain to rest and get the introduction of Sanjivani Booti, even today his footprints have been made of marble.
According to another legend, Hanuman rested at the Jakhu temple when he was going to collect Sanjivani Booti.
After resting for a while, leaving his companions here, Hanuman left alone to bring Sanjeevani Booti.
It is believed that his monkey companions, thinking that Bajrangbali was angry with him and went alone, waited for him to return here on the hill. As a result of this, a large number of monkeys are found here even today.
Tourist Places
It is also established as a tourist destination. Various trekking and mountaineering activities are organized by the state government on the hill. The trekking route is surrounded by picturesque pine forests.
Visitors can also hire a ‘pony’ (type of small horse) to reach the Jakhu Temple. There are many shops at the base area of Jakhu hill, which provide walking sticks etc. to help the trekkers to climb up.
