Jakhu Temple: A Must-Visit Destination for Any Visitor to Shimla

Jakhu Hill, The Most Famous Temple In Shimla Known Worldwide For its highest statue!

Jakhu Temple is a significant temple in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, situated on the Jakhu hill. The temple stands at the highest point of Shimla amidst the lush green backdrop of the Shivalik hill ranges. Jakhu Temple Shimla is a mystical sight for tourists. Jakhoo Temple Shimla has dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman. This site is one of Shimla's most visited temples, attracting tourists of all ages and religions, along with Hindu pilgrims and devotees.

The Jakhu Temple Shimla houses a giant Lord Hanuman statue visible from most parts of Shimla. The legend about this temple is that Lord Hanuman stayed at this temple site to rest before finding Sanjivani Booti to revive Lakshmana. The idol of Hanuman in the Jakhu temple Shimla is one of the tallest in the country which is 33 meters (108 ft) tall. In front of this idol, even the big trees nearby seem dwarfs.

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History 

During the Ramayana battle between Rama and Ravana, when Lakshmana was seriously wounded by the arrow of Ravana's son Indrajit, Hanuman ji went to the Himalayas to collect Sanjivani Booti to revive him. Sanjeevani could cure any disease. When Hanuman ji was going to take Sanjeevani, he stopped at the place where Jakhu temple Shimla is today. It is also believed that when Hanuman ji was going to collect the medicinal plant (Sanjivani), he met sage 'Yaku' at this place. Jakhu Hill was very high, but when Hanuman landed here to get information about the Sanjivani plant, it absorbed half the earth.

Hanuman proceeded to Mount Dronagiri and promised to meet sage Yaku on his return but due to lack of time and his clash with the demon Kalanemi; Hanuman could not go to that hill. After this, Rishi Yaku built the Jakhu Temple Shimla in honour of Lord Hanuman. According to legend, this temple has built near the footprints of Hanuman Ji. The monkeys roaming around this temple are said to be the descendants of Hanuman Ji. Although the Jakhu temple's construction date is unknown, it is said to be from the Ramayana period.

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Jakhu  Ropeway 

Jakhu Ropeway is a significant attraction in Shimla. The British-era architecture with beautiful views of the Himalayas can be well visited by the ropeway cable car from the bottom of the hill to the top. The spectacular Gondola ride takes you to a height of 8,054 feet above sea level, which takes just 5 to 6 minutes.

Its ticket price varies according to age. It is free for children below three years and costs Rs 200 for children between 3-12 years. The ticket cost for adults is Rs.250. Please note that this is a one-way fee only. You can also take a cab to go back down.

The ropeway ride to Jakhu Temple Shimla is from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (i.e. till sunset).

Festival Celebration

The festival of Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is celebrated with great enthusiasm in October/September at Jakhoo Temple Shimla, commemorating the heroic feat of Lord Hanuman in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Dussehra is hailed as the victory of Lord Rama over King Ravana.

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Best Time To Visit 

Shimla's fantastic weather makes it a great tourist destination at any time of the year. Shimla experiences an average temperature of 20 °C from March to June in the summer. The rainy season during and after July can make travelling inconvenient due to heavy rains. But the winter months from September to January are pleasant and relaxed. This season can be cold and even more chilly, with occasional snow showers.

Nearby places to visit

Shimla has multitudinous places to visit around with beauty and attraction. Shimla itself is a charming place that increases the happiness and unique experience of those who see it. The nearby places to visit, while people visit Jakhu Temple Shimla, are worth seeing. Here is a list of some must-visiting places given below that everyone should know.

1. Christ Church Shimla

Christ Church is a significant tourist destination in Shimla. Christ Church is located at a distance of 1 kilometre from Jakhu Temple. This church on The Ridge was constructed in 1857; it took about three years to complete this church. The church also houses India's largest pipe organ, which you must have seen in one of Bollywood's biggest hits, 3 Idiots.

2. Mall Road

The Mall Road, located at the bottom of the Ridge, is a part of Shimla, home to several shops, cafes, restaurants, book shops and many tourist accommodations. Mall Road is centrally located in Shimla, where many restaurants, clubs, banks, shops, post offices and tourist offices are located. The Mall Road is one place that draws hordes of tourists visiting Shimla. The distance from Jakhu Temple Shimla to Mall Road is 7 km.

3. Summer Hill

Summer Hill, also known as Potter's Hill, is 11 km from Jakhu Temple. In ancient times, potters used to gather here to make pottery. The hill is situated at 1283 meters above sea level, offering spectacular views of the valleys and the surrounding greenery. Summer Hill is located 5 km from the famous tourist destination Ridge, which lakhs of tourists visit yearly. 

4. Chail Hill station

Chail is a beautiful hill station 44 km from Shimla and 46 km from Jakhu Temple. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala established this hill station. Chail has also renowned for being the world's highest cricket ground. Chail is famous for its beautiful scenery and virgin forests.

5. Arki Fort  

Arki Fort had built in 1660 AD, a fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Arki Fort has located at a distance of 46 kilometres from Jakhu Temple. This fort is known for the Kangra paintings that adorn the defence. The pictures made in the shield are about 200 years old, but it still looks lovely even after being old.

6. Naldehra

Naldehra is a beautiful hill station near Shimla, situated at 2044 meters above sea level. It has located at a distance of 22 kilometres from Jakhu Temple. Lord Curzon established a golf course here. Dense deodar trees and more greenery make the atmosphere of this place very attractive. It is an excellent place to view the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains. The atmosphere of this place is so peaceful that you can even hear the sound of the wind blowing here.

7. Mashobra

Mashobra has spread over a lush green plain in Himachal Pradesh, about 7700 feet. This place is an ideal tourist destination for those looking for a serene little hill station. Mashobra Jakhu has located at a distance of 9 kilometres from the temple. This place gives the purest and most liberating experience of life.

8. Shimla State Museum

Shimla State Museum is 8.7 kilometres from Jakhu Temple, also known as Himachal State Museum and Library. Built-in 1974, this museum had done to preserve the cultural richness and records of the past. The colonial-style buildings located in the city speak deeply about the glorious history of this city. The Shimla State Museum has a collection of sculptures, paintings, handicrafts and coins.

9. The Ridge 

A large, open road along Mall Road is located in the centre of Shimla. The Ridge is a place where you will get to see a lot. Here you will find spectacular views of the snow-capped mountain ranges and shops selling exclusive artefacts. The most notable thing about The Ridge is that this place was the most unique place to stay during the summer during the British period.

 Ridge is not only a market but also a social centre of a city in a city. This transit point of Shimla has packed with locals and travellers. The street also has many cafes, bars, boutiques, shops and restaurants that attract crowds. The distance of The Ridge from Jakhu Temple Shimla is 5 km.

10. Kufri

Kufri is a tourist destination situated at a distance of 17 km from Shimla, attracting many tourists. Kufri has located at a distance of 13 kilometres from Jakhu Temple. Kufri, situated at 2510 meters and the foothills of the Himalayas, is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Tourists visiting Kufri get to see many spectacular views. 

How To Reach Jakhu Temple Shimla 

The hilltop temple has situated at a distance of 6 km from Shimla city centre. Visitors can hire a taxi or walk a picturesque 2-kilometre trek up the hill to reach Jakhu Temple. 

1. By Road

Shimla is well-connected to many big cities in the country. Shimla has also connected by road to major cities and towns of Himachal Pradesh. HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) is the leading public sector transport service. There are daily buses from Chandigarh to Shimla and from Delhi daily. 

NH22 - Shimla to Chandigarh

2. By Railway

Jakhu Temple Shimla is located at a distance of 6 km from central Shimla city. If you want to travel to Shimla orJakhu Temple Shimla by train, then Shimla has its small railway station Kalka, which is just 1 kilometre from the city centre, and it is connected to Kalka by a small gauge rail track. 

3. By Airway

The nearest airport, Jubarhati, is about 23 km from Shimla. Regular flights are available to Jubbarhatti from Chandigarh and Delhi. After reaching this airport, one can quickly get a taxi to Shimla and, from Shimla, head towards Jakhu Temple Shimla.