Jakhu Sri Hanuman Temple is a famous temple situated on Jahku hill, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh State. Jakhu Temple is located on the highest peak of Simla district and is at a height of 2455 m(8054 ft) above sea level. The main deity is Lord Hanuman who is an ardent follower of Sri Rama.
Sri Hanuman is also popularly known as Anjaneya, Maruthi, Vayu Putra, Pavanputra, Ramabhakta etc. Sri Anjaneya is the son of King Kesari and Anjana Devi, born with the blessings of Vayu, the Wind God.
Obviously, from here you can see some incredible views. One can see the Shivalik mountain range and Sanjauli town. Devotees can reach the temple by foot, horse, taxi or by ropeway.
As per the legend it was here that Lord Hanuman rested for a while when he was going to get the Sanjeevani plant for reviving the unconscious Laxmana.
In 2010 Hanuman statue was open to the public. The idol is 108 feet in height and is considered the world’s tallest Hanuman statue.
All festivals are celebrated in the temple but Dusherra is celebrated very grandly, thousands of people visit this temple in seek of Lord’s blessings.
Shimla Airport is the nearest airport (22.5 km). Shimla Railway Station is just 3 km from Jakhu Sri Hanuman Temple.
Jakhoo Temple Timings:
Morning: 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Evening: 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Jakhu Sri Anjaneya Temple History:
During the Battle of the Ramayana, Ram’s younger brother, Lakshmana, was wounded by a powerful arrow and lost consciousness. He could not be revived despite various efforts. Then a renowned priest told Sri Rama that he needed a special Sanjeevani herb to bring him back to life. Hanuman was commissioned to obtain the herb from the Himalayas.
On his way to the Himalayas, he met sage Yaaku at the top of the hill. Hanuman sat on the mountain and dispelled his doubts about the herbs. The mount could not support his weight and it flattened, half of its size remaining. After gathering enough information about the herbs, he promised Yaaku that he would meet him when he returned to Lanka.
However, on the way home, he had to fight a demon named “Kalnemi” who tried to deceive him, consuming much of his precious time. To get to Lanka on time, he decided not to meet Sage and took the shortest route. When Sage was disappointed, he considered meeting him in person and telling him why he broke his promise.
When Hanuman left the place, an idol of him appeared alone on the hill. To honor the Lord’s visit, Yaaku built a temple here. It is believed to this day that the temple has Hanuman’s footprints and that the monkeys that remain around the shrine are descendants of Lord Hanuman.
Jakhu Anjaneya Temple Address:
Jakhu Temple Park,
Jakhu,
Shimla,
Himachal Pradesh – 171001.