Jakhu temple

Current Context : A National Security Guard (NSG) team, which was in Shimla on a three-day visit, has suggested to the district administration to enhance security at the famous Lord Hanuman Temple at Jakhu.

ABOUT JAKHU TEMPLE

Jakhu Temple is an ancient and revered shrine of Lord Hanuman located atop Jakhu Hill, the highest peak in Shimla. It is famous for its 108-foot Hanuman statue, which stands as a prominent landmark visible from most parts of Shimla and attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year.

• Location: Jakhu Hill, 2,455 m (8,054 ft) above sea level, about 2.5 km east of The Ridge, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
• Accessibility:
  • Can be reached by foot, horse, taxi, or Jakhu Ropeway (aerial cable car) from central Shimla
• Surroundings:
  • Surrounded by dense deodar forests with panoramic views of Shivalik ranges and Shimla valleys

MYTHOLOGICAL & HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

• As per Ramayana, Lord Hanuman rested on Jakhu Hill while searching for the Sanjeevani herb to revive Lakshmana.
• Legends say his landing flattened the hilltop, and his footprints are preserved in the temple premises.
• The name “Jakhu” comes from “Yaksha”, referring to a sage Hanuman is believed to have met here.
• Over centuries, it became a holy site believed to fulfill devotees’ wishes.

KEY FEATURES

• 108-foot Hanuman Statue:
  • Installed in 2010
  • Taller than the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro
• Temple Premises:
  • Known for large numbers of monkeys, considered symbolic guardians of Hanuman
  • Offers spiritual peace along with scenic beauty