The Jakhu Temple in Shimla
is situated on the top of Jakhu Hill, at an altitude of 2.5
kms. The temple in Shimla is dedicated to lord Hanuman, and
is said to be existing from the times of Ramayana and is said
to be formed when lord Hanuman visited Jakhu hill. As per
legends, Hanuman visited this place during the famous Rama
- Ravana fight. Lakshman, the younger brother of Rama, was
critically injured during the fight and the only medicinal
herb which could have saved his life was available in the
Himalayan range. Hanuman came to Himalayas, but got confused,
so as to which was the particular herb. Out of desperation,
he dug out the whole mountain, which contained the herbs and
flew to Lanka, where injured Lakshman and his doctor were
waiting for him. On his way back, Hanuman rested on the Jakhu
hills, and the top of the mountain got flat by his and mountain’s
weight. The temple of Jakhu has since been highly revered
by the locals. The shrine of the temple is the foot prints
of Hanuman. In most of the Hanuman temples in India, one can
come across numerous monkeys and Jakhu is no exception. There
are hundreds of monkeys in and around the temple. Though mostly
very peaceful, they can attack a person, if provocated. Pilgrims
offer them eatables, which they readily accept.
The temple of Hanuman is in the thick forests of Jakhu hills,
and is on top the Jakhu Hill. Jakhu is derived from Hindi
word Yakhsa. Yakshas are the mythological character in Hindu
mythology, who are a link between human and gods. The original
dates of temple is not known, but it is believed to be existing
from the times of Ramayana, a pre historic event as per ancient
Hindu texts. The Jakhu hill is the highest peak around Shimla,
and is famous for its trekking options. The Jakhu hill offers
excellent views of sunrise, sunset, mountains and town. The
hill is full of narrow paths and roads which are an enjoyable
walks.
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. Jakhu Temple is easily accessible
from Shimla city. The temple is a 45 minute walk from Shimla
Ridge. You can also take a pony to visit Jakhu Temple. Jakhu
Temple offers a superb vantage point for witnessing the ethereal
Himalayan skyline during sunrise or sunset. Jakhu Temple is
situated at a height of around 2 Km from the base of Jakhu
hill. To reach the temple, a trek of 2 kms, through dense
pine forests is required. The trek is very tiring. One can
also hire ponies from the base of hills, to take a to and
fro ride to temple. Walking sticks are also available at the
shops on the base of Jakhu hill. |
