Jakhu Hanuman Temple: Ramayana’s Footprint in the Himalayas
Location
- Place:
Jakhu Hill, Shimla
- State:
Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude:
2,455 meters (8,054 feet) — the highest point in Shimla
- Access:
About 2.5 km east of The Ridge; reachable by foot, taxi, or ropeway. The Jakhu
Ropeway offers a scenic ride from Shimla city center to the temple.
Presiding Deity
- Main Deity:
Lord Hanuman, worshipped as the protector and embodiment of
strength, devotion, and service.
- The temple houses a colossal
108-foot Hanuman statue, visible from many parts of Shimla and
considered one of the tallest in the world.
Subshrines and Features
- While the temple is primarily
dedicated to Hanuman, it includes:
- Shrines to Lord Rama and Sita,
reflecting Hanuman’s devotion
- Small sanctums for Shiva and other
deities, typical of North Indian Hanuman
temples
- Prayer halls and resting areas
for pilgrims
- The temple complex is surrounded by dense
deodar forests, enhancing its serene and mystical atmosphere.
Temple Significance
- Mythological Importance:
According to legend, Hanuman rested here while searching for the
Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshmana during the Ramayana war. The hill is
said to have been touched by his feet.
- Spiritual Symbolism:
The 108-foot statue represents Hanuman’s divine stature and his role as a
guardian of faith.
- Cultural Landmark:
The temple is a major attraction in Shimla, blending pilgrimage with
tourism.
- Festivals:
Dussehra is celebrated with great fervor, drawing large crowds and
processions.
History
- Ancient Origins:
Jakhu Temple is considered one of the oldest Hanuman temples in Himachal
Pradesh. Though its exact date of construction is unknown, it has been a
pilgrimage site for centuries.
- Founder:
Local lore attributes the temple’s origin to Yaksha Rishi, a sage
who meditated on Jakhu Hill and established the shrine in honor of
Hanuman.
- Cultural Role:
Before 1972, the temple was central to Shimla’s Dussehra celebrations,
which were later shifted to Annadale.
Legends
- Ramayana Connection:
The temple is believed to mark the spot where Hanuman rested while
flying to the Himalayas in search of the Sanjeevani herb to save
Lakshmana.
- Footprint Myth:
Locals believe Hanuman’s footprint is embedded on the hill,
sanctifying the site.
- Divine Presence:
The temple is revered as a place where Hanuman’s energy is especially
potent, offering protection and strength to devotees.
Architecture
- Kath Kuni Style:
The temple follows Kath Kuni architecture, a traditional Himachali
style using wood and stone interlocked without cement — ideal for seismic
zones.
- Hanuman Statue:
A 108-foot tall statue of Lord Hanuman was installed in 2010,
towering above Shimla and visible from many parts of the city.
- Temple Layout:
The shrine includes:
- A modest sanctum with Hanuman’s idol
- Subshrines for Rama, Sita, and Shiva
- Prayer halls and resting areas for
pilgrims
- Forest Setting:
Surrounded by dense deodar trees, the temple offers a tranquil and
elevated spiritual experience.
- Aarti and Bhajans:
Held morning and evening, featuring Hanuman Chalisa and Ram bhakti songs.
- Offerings:
Devotees present laddus, bananas, sindoor, and betel
leaves to Hanuman.
- Pradakshina:
Circumambulating the sanctum is a common practice, often done with chants
of “Jai Hanuman.”
- Self-Puja Tradition:
Visitors often perform puja themselves, enhancing personal devotion.
Major Festivals
- Dussehra:
The most prominent festival celebrated at Jakhu Temple. Before 1972,
Shimla’s main Dussehra festivities were held here.
- Features include special aartis,
decorations, and processions.
- The temple becomes a hub for
cultural and spiritual gatherings.
- Hanuman Jayanti:
Celebrated with devotional music, mass chanting of Hanuman Chalisa, and
community feasts.
- Ram Navami:
Honoring Lord Rama, with Hanuman’s role as a devoted servant emphasized
through rituals and storytelling.
Beliefs and Spiritual
Significance
- Ramayana Connection:
The temple is believed to be the spot where Hanuman rested while
flying to the Himalayas in search of the Sanjeevani herb to save
Lakshmana.
- 108-Foot Statue:
Installed in 2010, the towering Hanuman idol symbolizes divine protection
and is visible across Shimla.
- Spiritual Energy:
Devotees believe the temple radiates Hanuman’s strength and can help
overcome fear, illness, and obstacles.
- Monkey Guardians:
The temple is home to many monkeys, considered sacred and symbolic of
Hanuman’s presence.
Temple Hours
- Open Daily: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Best Time to Visit:
March to June for pleasant weather and clear views of the Shivalik
ranges.
Getting There
- From Mall Road, Shimla:
- Distance:
~2.5 km
- Options:
- Walk:
A scenic uphill trek through pine and deodar forests
- Taxi:
Available from Mall Road or Ridge area
- Jakhu Ropeway:
A 6-minute cable car ride offering aerial views of Shimla
- From Shimla Railway Station:
~7 km
- From Shimla Airport:
~20 km
- From New Delhi:
~365 km by road or train
Tips
- Footwear:
Remove shoes before entering the temple; carry socks or a cloth bag.
- Monkeys:
The area is home to many monkeys. Avoid carrying visible food or loose
items; keep belongings secure.
- Weather:
Carry warm clothes even in summer; the altitude makes it breezy.
- Photography:
Allowed outside the sanctum; the 108-foot Hanuman statue is a popular
photo spot.
- Accessibility: Ropeway is ideal for elderly visitors or those avoiding steep climbs.
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