No visit to the state capital Shimla is complete without visiting Jakhu Hill. This hill looms over Shimla town and is the geographical nucleus. This temple is dedicated to the monkey God Hanuman. Dedicated to the monkey god, Hanuman, Jakhu Temple is east of the town centre near the highest point of the Shimla ridge at 2455 m. A steep 45 minute walk from Scandal Point, it offers fine views over the surrounding valleys out to the snow-capped peaks, and over Shimla itself. Jakhu is also a beautiful spot to see the morning sun rise and sun set. Appropriately, there are many monkeys around the temple. Its a steep 45 minute walk from Scandal Point.

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 Jakhu Temple in Shimla is situated at an altitude of 2455 Mts. The temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman, the monkey god in Indian mythology. Hanuman was the most faithful aide of lord Rama (India’s most revered mythological hero). 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.

Jhakhu Temple